Guyana Times -- Saturday, January 1, 2022

Our next publication will be on Monday, January 3, 2022 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

SATURDAY, JANUARY 1, 2022

Issue No. 4877

Govt will ensure all Guyanese benefit from country’s wealth – Pres Ali in New Year’s message Page 3

...says 2022 will see ground being laid for young Guyanese to lead in oil and gas sector Page 7

PRICE

$100 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE: WHAT'S INSIDE:

Safety officer slapped with possession of gun, ammo charges P8

Teen confesses to Christmas Eve murder P32 in Albouystown No Confidence Motions against Harmon, Govt P30 Ministers thrown out – Speaker …will not be placed on Order Paper

“I will lead from the front wherever bold decisions are needed” – President Ali – as he assents to Local Content, NRF and other Bills

Opposition’s intent was to delay, derail, frustrate enactment of 2 Bills passed – Finance Minister

Page 31

PSC “appalled”, “disappointed” at APNU/AFC’s behaviour in National Assembly

GTA records P32 23% increase in visitors for 2021

See story on page 28

COVID pandemic

“We must not let down our guard in 2022” – Health Minister P30 …178 new cases, 2 new deaths reported in 1 day

Teens among 4 arrested P31 with stolen motorcycles

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 1, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 1, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Saturday, Jan 1 – 02:30h – 04:00h and Sunday, Jan 2 – 03:00h – 04:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Saturday, Jan 1 – 15:10h – 16:40h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily

WEATHER TODAY

There will be sunshine during the day. Expect clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 20 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-Easterly to Northerly between 1.78 metres and 5.36 metres.

High Tide: 15:25h reaching a maximum height of 2.73 metres.

Low Tide: 08:57h and 21:31h reaching minimum heights of 0.69 metre and 0.45 metre.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2021

LOTTERY NUMBERS H

03 10 15

17 18 27

FREE TICKET

13 Bonus Ball

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021

DAILY MILLIONS

01 05 08 15 20 LUCKY 3

3

6

6

1

Afternoon Draw

2

7

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

02 04 08 10 12 13 20 SUPER

PAY DAY

PAY DAY

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021

01 05 07 09 11 13

10 11 16 19 21

2

6 Afternoon Draw

2X Afternoon Draw

1

5 Evening Draw

2X Evening Draw

DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS IN PUBLICATION. PLEASE CALL THE HOTLINE FOR CONFIRMATION - TEL: 225-8902

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$79.32/barrel

Rough Rice

$266.58/ton

+0.10

London Sugar

$494.70/ton

-1.28

Live Spot Gold

+0.11

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1829.80

$1830.80

Low/High Change

$1815.20 0.00

$1831.00 0.00%

Govt will ensure all Guyanese benefit from country’s wealth – Pres Ali in New Year Message

...says 2022 will see ground being laid for young Guyanese to lead in oil and gas sector

W

ith Guyana expecting to undergo unprecedented economic transformation, especially with the legislations now in place for the country to access revenues earned from the oil and gas sector that are being held in the Natural Resource Fund, President Dr Irfaan Ali has recommitted to ensuring that all Guyanese benefit from the oil monies.

He gave this reassurance in his New Year message that was broadcast live in the waning hours of 2021.

According to the Head of State, “I do not want a rich Guyana of poor people.

Yes, Guyana must be rich so that never again should we be among the poorest in the world; never again should our poor have to be nomads, seeking survival in other parts of the world… But our people must share in the benefits of the wealth that is now Guyana’s – and share in it without fear or favour. It is the right of their birth and a right that has been earned by them and their fore-parents who toiled, sweated and sacrificed to make Guyana their beloved homeland.”

President Ali pointed out that it is hard to create conditions that will make the new year truly happy for all but, nevertheless, committed to trying his very best.

However, he noted that this requires genuine commitment and real resolve in order to put in place the programmes and projects that uplift the quality of life.

Ali explained that he contested for the Presidency of Guyana with the intention of helping to fashion and implement such policies that will benefit everyone in Guyana regardless of race, colour and creed. He asserted that he will not be derailed, diverted and deterred from carrying out this mandate.

On this note, the Head of State condemned the “gross unparliamentary behaviour” displayed by the APNU/AFC Opposition Members of Parliament in the National Assembly during the hearing of the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) Bill on Wednesday evening.

Though the legislation was successfully passed and has since been signed into law, President Ali said the coalition’s disruptive actions were aimed at preventing the public from hearing the policies set out in the bill that will see Government having an arm’s length approach to the management of the Fund and the National Assembly having oversight on the spending of

President Dr Irfaan Ali

the oil money.

Currently, there is over US$534 million in the NRF being held at the Federal Reserve Bank in New York.

The President stated that it is reasonable for Guyanese to expect to see benefits from the oil revenues being spent on their welfare and wellbeing in order to improve their lives.

According to Ali, he will not be distracted from fulfilling this expectation as well as his Government’s goal of building “One Guyana” in which all Guyanese enjoy equality of opportunity and

a pathway to prosperity.

“I know that, underlying the strategy of intimidation by certain persons in the Opposition – and let me be clear, not all of them – there is the desire to exploit the old bogey of race and racism.

But I repeat what I have stated from the very first minute of my Presidency, racism and racial discrimination have no place in a One Guyana nation. As one people, we cannot advance our country and improve our lives until we do it together,” the Head of State stressed.

It is for this reason, he

stated, that his Government, worked tirelessly to improve the lives of Guyanese in ways that matter most over the past 16 months in office by tackling the COVID-19 pandemic frontally and injecting billions of dollars into the pockets of Guyanese through various cash grants and relief initiatives.

This is coupled with the PPP/C Government fulfilling its manifesto promises to remove and reduce burdensome taxes, rehire sugar workers while reopening the closed estates and distributing more house lots, among other things.

President Ali outlined too that the positives over the past year also include the laying of foundation for several major infrastructure projects that will take off in 2022.

“More exciting progress lies ahead,” he declared.

On the other hand, the Head of State revealed that this year, the Administration will be focusing on the development of the young Guyanese generation, whom he said renews his hope and strengthens his resolve with their productive attitudes, beliefs and openness about the country’s way forward.

TURN TO PAGE 7

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guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, JANUARY 1, 2022

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

New Year 2022 E

ven though under the threat of torture the Pope in 1633 forced Galileo to recant his theory that the Earth revolved around the Sun and not the other way round, as he left the courtroom, Galileo is said to have muttered, ‘all the same, it moves’. Well, the earth has kept moving and after every 365 days it is back where it began and we start another year – today, 2022. It is our tradition that towards the end of the “old year” we would have reflected on noteworthy events that occurred and make wishes for the new this year- as the earth continues its eternal movement around our Sun. But while we have formed this break between “old year and new year”, we know this is an arbitrary marker and in reality, the events of not just last year, but past years continue to influence events in this year and future years. As such, we have witnessed the PNC obdurate refusal to adhere to democratic norms. This began all the way back in 1968 when it rigged that year’s elections and continued to do so until finally, we had “free and fair elections” in 1992. After they managed to get back to office twenty-three years later in 2015, they promptly reverted to their election-rigging ways at the next elections in 2020. This was after violating the Constitution by refusing to allow the denouement of a No-Confidence Motion (NCM) to play out in their resignation in 2019.

Their pattern of undemocratic behaviour continued into the very end of last year when we witnessed one of the most shocking violations of the norms of our parliamentary system that are meant to inculcate the civility that undergirds the handling of disagreement in a democratic polity. We refer, of course, to the debate on the National Resource Fund (NRF) Bill, where the PNC MPs not only stormed the neutral area between the Government and Opposition benches but actually seized the Mace that represents the authority of the Speaker and Parliament. Unwilling to accept that democratic differences are settled in a Parliamentary Democracy by a vote at the end of the debate, they crudely sought to circumvent the rules by removing the Mace in the belief that this maneuver would vitiate the vote. They failed but demonstrated to the nation once again that they are totally unprepared to follow democratic rules.

As such, while we would hope that this New Year would be different from the last in the political realm that still dominate our societal functioning, we are not optimistic.

Optimism rests on at least a modicum of facts that suggest our desired outcome but in their absence all one would be left with is blind faith. All of this is very unfortunate since two factors have come into a confluence that could guarantee not only our country a bright and conflict-free future but also the PNC a share of that happy state in this New Year and beyond.

And these are firstly the fortuitous circumstance of our remarkable oil find which will guarantee a flow of funds of such a magnitude as to underwrite all the developmental dreams we harboured since we struggled to become independent. At long last, we do not have to go with beggar’s bowl in hand to other countries and the Multilateral Financial Institutions for aid that only come with conditionalities to leave us crippled.

Secondly, and more pertinently for the political travails that have proven even more crippling than the poverty, we have experienced a demographic shift in the last decade so that no one ethnic group commands a majority. Because of this new contingency, no one party in our country where voting remains ethnically driven, commands a majority to capture a majority to deliver the government.

Each of the two major parties, the PPPC and the PNCled APNU/AFC have an equal chance if they act rationally and reach across the ethnic divides with moderate, nonconfrontational programs and actions. It is up to the PNC to act rationally so that we have a Happy 2022.

Guyana Amazon Warriors’ Chandrapaul Hemraj and his beautiful wife Rehana Hemraj at their wedding reception on Wednesday evening at New Thriving, Providence, East Bank Demarara (EBD)

APNU MPs “blinded" by their anti-national stance Dear Editor, It is now clear why the APNU/AFC former Minister of Finance under its tenure was charged recently with misconduct in public office for a sale at a highly undervalued amount of prime state property, and incidentally, being the said individual who, while holding the post of Finance Minister, deliberately did not disclose receipt of a US$18M signing bonus from ExxonMobil, and continued to deny same in the National Assembly until evidence emerged to prove otherwise.

The A (APNU/AFC) party, now in Opposition, on Wednesday 29th December 2021 chanted in full defiance of the Speaker of the National Assembly in attempts to bully the current Minister of Finance as he stood to commence the debate on the new Natural Resource Fund (NRF) Bill.

The new Bill seeks to pave the way for significantly improved management of Guyana’s oil revenue, so as to especially ensure greater transparency and accountability. The People's Progressive Party /Civic Government was legitimately elected by the people of Guyana, with a mandate to ensure that the Government propel and accelerate Guyana's economic transformation.

However, it is evident that the APNU/AFC would

do anything possible to try and derail the economic development of this country.

With this being said, every sound-minded Guyanese must condemn the blatant and vulgar attempts by the APNU/AFC Opposition to subvert our democracy.

Our nation is still recovering from the blatant attempt by this same APNU/ AFC to rig the 2020 elections in an effort to hold on to power. Guyanese, we must safeguard against slipping into the evil-doing of the APNU/AFC again.

We cannot continue to allow the APNU/AFC Opposition to make Guyana the Caribbean’s parliamentary laughingstock, we must do better. These APNU/AFC Members of Parliament were elected by you, the APNU/AFC supporters, and some sections of the population to represent you, the people, at the highest decision-making body, not to act out like common bullies and radicals.

One must understand that these APNU/AFC Parliamentary members cannot deny Guyanese the representation they need. These parliamentarians must put the people of Guyana first, while working closely with the Government of Guyana. What took place on December 29 was disrespectful, preplanned, organised and orchestrated

prior to December 29, 2021.

There is enough evidence to suggest that APNU/AFC MPs came into Parliament with whistles, placards and MPs knew exactly where to find the control room to disrupt the internet.

Persons (MPs) who are responsible for violently snatching the speaker's Mace during the 34th sitting of the Twelfth Parliament, held on Wednesday night, should not go unpunished.

The Opposition’s behaviour was a “treacherous act”, and, as such, there must be consequences for those who attempted to undermine and disrupt one of the three branches of Government.

The Mace is the most significant symbol in the National Assembly, representing the authority of Parliament. It is unfortunate that the invasion of Parliament is yet another example of the APNU+AFC bullies trying to take matters into their own hands, while frustrating and undermining the national good and the advancement of positive national objectives, which is typical APNU+AFC behaviour.

It must be known that our PPP/C Government would not delay the development of Guyana and Guyanese for the selfish interest of the APNU/AFC. This was made crystal clear by the Senior Minister in the Office of the President

with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh.

What happened on Wednesday, December 29, 2021 must not go down lightly, because it’s saying that it’s okay to do this; that anybody could do this, and it’s fine… This is unacceptable to undermine and try to stop, not just this bill anymore, but to stop the institution – the legislature – from meeting.

The Government of Guyana, hours after the Parliament session ended, issued a statement to rebuke the Opposition’s “despicable and reprehensible” behaviour.

It noted that this hallmark piece of legislation, which has repealed the APNU/AFC’s 2019 Act, will ensure the security, transparency and accountability that Guyanese need in order to benefit from the oil and gas revenues. The Bill provides for a governance structure of how these monies would be used, with continuous public disclosures, audits and Parliamentary approvals.

The APNU/AFC MPs, “blinded" by their anti-national stance, failed to notice that the Government was determined to proceed with the people’s business and conclude this historic piece of legislation on behalf of our people and nation.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, JANUARY 1, 2022

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You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

Help & Shelter establishes APNU MPs...

‘The Margaret Fund’ Dear Editor, Established on 25 November 1995, Help & Shelter’s mandate is the elimination of violence in all its forms. We work in particular to eliminate domestic and sexual violence and child abuse and offer an array of free services including face-to-face and hotline counselling and psychosocial support, court support and shelter for women and their children, to survivors/ victims as they go through the process of rehabilitation with a view to transitioning to a safe and independent lifestyle which every citizen deserves.

Over the 26 years of our existence, we have played a frontline role in advocacy for a responsive legal framework which offers protection and justice for women and children. We have also done extensive public education work to raise awareness and influence prudent and protective responses to

the prevalence of all types of abuse within communities throughout Guyana.

Help & Shelter’s vision is focused on the elimination of violence from our society through actions that cause the transformation of individuals’ attitude towards the practice of violence. Our philosophy is founded on the principles of: · Changing the tolerance of violence which has become a harmful social norm · Building and delivering education programmes for changing attitudes towards violence in our society · Promoting self-value and self-worth to combat low self-esteem in survivors of violence · Providing psychosocial and intervention-based services for the vulnerable · Representing the vulnerable is the process of restoration and justice. · Supporting rights-

based initiatives which uphold gender equality · Strong advocacy for policy changes and justice for victims/survivors of violence · Preserving the right of all to live a life free from violence and to be safe from fear of the threat of violence.

Help & Shelter is pleased to announce that with effect from 25th November 2021, the organization will award $250,000 a year in one or more grants to current or former beneficiaries of our services.

These grants will be made made possible through The Margaret Fund, which has been set up in memory of former long serving Help & Shelter coordinator Ms Margaret Kertzious, who sadly died earlier in the year.

Grants may be awarded for any of the following purposes: • To cover the cost of

academic/educational pursuits • Small business ventures • Income generating projects • Home improvements • Rent subsidies • Child day care costs Persons wishing to apply for a grant can uplift an application form from Help & Shelter's office on Homestretch Avenue or make contact with any of the counsellors or with coordinator Colin Marks by phone on 225 4731 or email to hands@networksgy.com .

We hope that in future we will be able to increase the annual award amount, and to this end invite members of the public and the private sector to support The Margaret Fund with one-off or annual donations.

Yours faithfully, Colin Marks Josephine Whitehead

Let prosperity, joy, goodwill prevail for all our peoples Dear Editor, 2021 has been a year of coping and challenges, of sacrifices and of great triumph. Our peoples and economy have struggled to regain their footing amid the worldwide pandemic known to all as COVID-19, which has plagued, and continues to plague, all nations.

2021 has seen us pick up the pieces in order to rebuild. We are all coping with what is now the ‘new norm’, but we have truly been blessed to have our wellbeing sought after by a most gracious and caring Government, and for this we are truly grateful.

The constant floods are creating havoc in the lives of many, but with our President, His Excellency Dr. Irfaan Ali, and our Government and its power, Ministers are continuously working to bring relief, joy and goodwill. We truly have the unwavering support of the Government; we have received support in the form of cash grants, support for agriculture losses, food sustenance, and medicines.

This Government of Dr. Irfaan Ali should be applauded. We thank God the Lord, our Creator, for giving us a Government that can truly bring joy to all the peoples of this country.

We thank the Lord God for a good past year, with good governance despite the previous difficulties prior to the 2020 elections, and we thank God for life, sustenance, good air, blessings,

and all the abundance that Guyana has to offer.

In this respect, we, the Guyana Islamic Forum for Education, Peace and Religious Solidarity, the Electric Mosque’s Presentation of the Teachings of Islam, in association with the Universal Peace Federation – Guyana, take this opportunity to extend a Happy New Year to His Excellency the President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, and family, distinguished members of the Government, the Opposition, and all our Divine brothers and sisters of Guyana.

We take this opportunity to remind our fellow citizens that there is light at the end of every tunnel, leading us to new beginnings. The past few years have been quite challenging for us, but our resilience has kept us steadfast and strong.

So, as we usher in the New Year 2022, let’s do so knowing that as a people of this great nation, our determination and strength know no bounds. We are ready to take the bull by the horns and grasp all opportunities that await us as we enter 2022. We hope that, with sound management and administration, our resources can be handled sustainably, thereby creating a multitude of opportunities for improving the lives of our people and modernising our nation like that of a First World country.

While we all know that

2021 has been difficult, we must recognise that it has taught us that if we remain resilient, our well-being would be improved. The pandemic has taught us that we are all in this together. It taught us to embrace, and then to adapt.

In this regard, we urge all to continue living as one

human family under God, or as "One People, One Nation, with One Destiny."

Happy New Year!

Here’s to better, happier, safer, and healthier days ahead.

Sincerely, Hajji Dr Roshan Khan Snr

Is the GPSU representing Public Servants or APNU/AFC? Dear Editor, Integrity is one of the most highly honoured qualities that only some organisations or persons could have the honour of possessing in an ever-advancing political, social, and economical landscape such as Guyana.

However, this quality is always derived when one chooses national interest out of all the aforementioned dimensions of interest.

On Wednesday, a Public Servant was kicked, molested, and hurled with racial slurs by an Opposition MP, but yet the Union, who most presumably is receiving union fees from this young man, has not uttered a word in defence of him. Let’s refresh our memories: when, on January 15, 2020, a St Agnes Primary School teacher was assaulted by a parent, the Guyana Teachers’ Union did not only issue a statement of condemnation, but also went and protested

for that teacher.

Two days have passed, and the Guyana Public Service Union has not issued a single statement of condemnation of the Opposition MP. What are we paying Union fees to them for? The Union has always had a tarnishing accusatory reputation of always saying exactly what the APNU+AFC says, and it seems they have no interest in changing this.

I am asking all Public Servants to ask themselves why are you paying Union dues when you could be slaughtered by politicians and your Union is not willing to defend you?

We saw the GPSU actively condemning Dharamlall’s attack on the Judges; where is this activism now? It seems like when APNU+AFC tells the Union to jump, the GPSU asks, “How high?”

Regards, Shondell Watson Park

The PPP/C Government will not be derailed by threats, intimidation and bullyism; this has been affirmed during the long 5 months after the March 2nd General and Regional Elections, when the same APNU+AFC Coalition tried to steal the elections and subvert the will of the people to elect their representatives at a free and fair election.

It must be noted that the Opposition proposed fourteen amendments to the Local Content Bill, of which ten were accepted by the Government side, and the bill was successfully passed with those amendments without disruption.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the

FROM PAGE 4

NRF Bill. The Opposition presented no proposed amendments, refused to debate the Bill, and instead opted to disrupt the proceedings at all cost to prevent the successful passage of this landmark Bill.

The new Bill, passed on Wednesday, December 29, 2021, contains enhanced clauses, including a significant one which provides for the establishment of a Board of Directors that would be responsible for reviewing and approving the policies of the Fund and monitoring its performance, thereby separating the management of the Fund from the Minister responsible for finance.

Sincerely, David Adams

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 1, 2022

Page

Foundation

◄

Did you know that some liquids mix and some do not?

This is a very cool way to learn about density!

Materials:

Tall clear drinking glass A large spoon Water Oil, about 1 cup (vegetable works great) Syrup Optional: Food colouring Paper towels

Exponents Remember you can add and subtract numbers with exponents.

Example: 35 - 42

Step 1: Find the value of the first exponential expression:

35 = 3 x 3 x 3 x 3 x3 = 243

Step 2: Find the value of the second expo-

nential expression: 42 = 4 x 4 = 16

Step 3: Calculate 243 – 16 = 227

Instructions:

The great thing about this experiment is that you can mix the liquids in any order, but to begin with, this is our suggestion.

Fill the glass about half way with regular water.

Add a drop of food colouring, if you have some handy. Be careful not to add too much or you might not be able to see what is taking place.

Slowly pour

some of the syrup into the water and observe what happens. Does it sink or float?

Slowly add some of the oil. It is a good idea to hold the spoon just above the water level, touching the side of the glass, then slowly pour the oil onto the spoon. Does the oil sink or float?

How it works:

Each of these liquids have different densities (the number of molecules per square inch). The denser liquids have more molecules, this causes them to sink to the bottom.

The less dense liquids float.

Extra experiments:

What happens if you add the food colouring last?

What happens if you switch the order of liquids?

What happens if you do this in a closed container (water bottle), put the lid on and shake it up?

It looks like you have some serious experimenting to do! (scienceisfun.org)

Exercises: Find the value 1) 103

6) 22 + 34

2) 3.52

7) (.001)3

3)(2.2)2

8) 1.24

4) 126

9) 1210 - 82

5) 65 - 72

10) 102 + 104

By Alfred, Lord Tennyson

Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky, The flying cloud, the frosty light: The year is dying in the night; Ring out, wild bells, and let him die.

Ring out the old, ring in the new, Ring, happy bells, across the snow: The year is going, let him go; Ring out the false, ring in the true.

Ring out the grief that saps the mind For those that here we see no more; Ring out the feud of rich and poor, Ring in redress to all mankind.

Ring out a slowly dying cause, And ancient forms of party strife; Ring in the nobler modes of life, With sweeter manners, purer laws.

Ring out the want, the care, the sin, The faithless coldness of the times; Ring out, ring out my mournful rhymes But ring the fuller minstrel in.

Ring out false pride in place and blood, The civic slander and the spite; Ring in the love of truth and right, Ring in the common love of good.

Ring out old shapes of foul disease; Ring out the narrowing lust of gold; Ring out the thousand wars of old, Ring in the thousand years of peace.

Ring in the valiant man and free, The larger heart, the kindlier hand; Ring out the darkness of the land, Ring in the Christ that is to be.

Teacher’s tip "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore, get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding." – Prov 4:7

C

onsider your most important New Year’s Resolution and state why it is so important. Next, convert the resolution into specific goals, then each specific goal into steps, and each step into everyday tasks.

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 1, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“I will lead from the front wherever bold decisions are needed” – President Ali – as he assents to Local Content, NRF and other Bills

P

resident Dr Irfaan Ali over the past few days assented to the Local Content and Natural Resource Fund Bills, and with these two critical pieces of legislation now signed into law, they will form the catalyst for the Government’s plans to develop Guyana and enhance the lives of Guyanese.

While the Local Content Bill was assented to on Friday, the Head of State assented to the NRF Bill along with the Fiscal Management and Accountability (Amendment) Act on Thursday. These bills were passed in the National Assembly on Thursday amid protest from the parliamentary Opposition.

In objection to the passage of the NRF Bill, the APNU/AFC Members of Parliament started protesting in the House and this escalated into a confrontation between coalition MPs and Parliament staff after one of the Opposition Members snatched the Parliament Mace from in front of the House Speaker. This was in addition to blowing whistles

President Dr Irfaan Ali signing the Local Content Bill into law on Friday in the presence of Government officials and stakeholders at the Office of the President

while walking around in the pit of the Assembly and surrounding Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh as he was making his presentation.

The Opposition wanted to send both the NRF and Local Content Bills to a parliamentary Special Select Committee for review. But

their disruptive and confrontational behaviours were in vain and the PPP/C managed to pass both pieces of legislations.

But during the signing of the Local Content Bill into law on Friday, President Ali posited that “…as President of Guyana,

Govt will ensure all...

To this end, he announced his intention to create new educational and work opportunities for young professionals in Guyana.

“I want them to gain experience and to become educated and trained to be owners and managers of all sectors of our society. While at this time we must rely on foreign knowhow in the oil and gas sectors, the ground must be readied now for young Guyanese to assume those positions, regardless of their race, colour or creed,” the President insisted.

He went on to say that his

Ministers have already been instructed to implement policies throughout their various Ministries and departments, and in the award of scholarships and the building of training institutions to this effect.

Another initiative the Government will be undertaking in the new year to enhance Guyanese youth is to hold meetings with individual organised groups of young people, including the youth arms of all the political parties as soon as possible.

“I want to hear their views; I want to learn how

I want to make it clear that wherever bold decision is needed, I will lead from the front. As a Government and as a President, I’m not going to hide behind any curtain.

We have to take this country forward; all of us as one. We have to ensure that we dismantle barriers and build a

FROM PAGE 3

they think we should shape the future of our One Guyana; I want to dialogue with them about the kind of country they wish to inherit and how they will advance it. My fellow countrymen, the next generation must be better than this one, if not, our country will regress not progress,” the Head of State posited.

Moreover, President Ali went on to talk about his Government’s continued efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and reiterated his plea to persons to ensure they get vaccinated to protect themselves from getting in-

fected by the deadly virus.

He also spoke about challenges with the global supply chain which has been disrupted due to the pandemic and is now disturbing Guyana’s development plans. However, the Guyanese leader reassured that his Government will lose no time in seeking ways to ease the strain on the Guyanese people.

cohesive vehicle that moves forward for the benefit of this country.”

Focusing on the Local Content Bill, the Head of State reminded that the legislation is “alive” and will pave the path for a dynamic journey for the country and its people.

“We are now at the infancy stage and the development of the oil and gas sector with bring with it, changes… So, the bill itself is a bill that would be alive; a bill that would be reviewed every so often in the context of our own development in the oil and gas sector,” he explained.

The President further acknowledged the efforts of all the stakeholders who participated in tedious consultation sessions and played a part in the crafting of these two critical pieces of legislations that will guide relevant activities and operations in Guyana’s oil and gas sector. He was particularly pleased with the input of young people in this process.

However, the Guyanese leader posited that there will be many initiatives that his Government will roll out in the new year that will see more Guyanese benefitting from vast opportunities.

“There are many initiatives that we will pursue next year that we are going to announce and put to the Private Sector to mobilise local financing and local involvement – projects of tremendous magnitude so that we have achieved the full potential our Private Sector and the people of this country. In those projects, we would like to see all seg-

ments of the population involved but we would like to see leadership from the Private Sector,” the president noted.

According to the Head of State, the new year will not be without challenges especially with the uncertainty in the global supply chain and commodity prices. He disclosed that the effects of these are already being witnessed in “Big Capitals” where shelves are empty.

This, he added, will be compounded by more countries going into lockdown in light of the new COVID-19 variant, while the global vaccination rate is not advancing.

“The challenges would be enormous but we must confront these challenges and we must win. It is not only confronting the challenges to survive; it is confronting the challenges to win and this Local Content Bill gives us the opportunity for Guyanese to win. It sets the framework for Guyanese to win,” President Ali contended.

The Head of State outlined that Guyana’s projected unprecedented economic transformation and growth, will not only be confined within the nation but will also see prosperity being spread across the Caribbean region and beyond as the country simultaneously pursues its obligations to pertinent issues such as multilateralism and climate change.

The signing of the Local Content Bill on Friday was done in the presence of Cabinet members as well as key stakeholders from various sectors in Guyana.

8 NEWS Safety officer slapped with possession of gun, ammo charges SATURDAY, JANUARY 1, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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Safety officer Colin Benjamin

The gun and ammunition that were found in the car

hirty-six-year-old Colin Benjamin, a safety officer of First Alley, Wismar, Linden, was on Friday placed on $250,000 bail on gun and ammunition possession charges.

He reportedly made a virtual appearance at the Linden Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Wanda Fortune during which the charge was read to him.

He reportedly pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to him. As such, he was placed on $200,000 cash bail for possession of firearm and $50,000 for the possession of ammunition.

He also pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving and was placed on $50,000 cash bail. He will make his next court appearance on January 31, 2022.

It was reported that on December 28, 2021, a party of policemen were on a mobile patrol in the Wismar Police Station District when

they responded to a report of noise nuisance at Blueberry Hill. On arrival at the location, ranks observed a private party in progress, with some 100 persons in attendance.

According to a statement from Police Headquarters, the ranks further observed two men acting in a suspicious manner. Upon seeing the cops, the men reportedly hurried towards motorcar PVV 4105 and sped off the scene.

The law enforcement officials thought something was amiss, and gave chase.

Shortly after, the vehicle stopped and a man exited from the passenger seat, and the car continued its journey.

The cops managed to intercept the vehicle along Burnham Drive in the vicinity of the Riverview Hotel, where they instructed the driver to exit the car.

However, the driver reversed his vehicle and

again drove away into the Silvertown area. The cops continued to give chase, during which they requested back-up.

As the chase contin-

ued, the motor car slammed into the Police vehicle before veering off the road and colliding with a GTT power dish.

The officers exited their respective vehicles and observed the suspect exiting the crashed motor car from the window. He was subsequently arrested, and a search of the vehicle unearthed a 9mm Taurus pistol, one magazine, and 11 rounds of matching ammunition.

The suspect was told of the offence committed and was cautioned, to which he reportedly replied, “Me ain’t know about that firearm wha y’all fighting me down for”. He was, however, arrested and charged.

Manslaughter convict challenges 15-year jail sentence

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fter being convicted and sentenced to 15 years in prison for the lesser count of manslaughter in 2019, 40-year-old Rajen Dindial has moved to the Appeal Court to have his conviction and jail time overturned.

The former 653 Section C Block Y Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD) resident was found guilty of the offence following a trial at the High Court in Demerara for unlawfully killing 25-year-old Alston Henry.

The killing happened on September 3, 2017, at Sarron

Convicted: Rajen Dindial

Street, Grove, EBD. Dindial was initially indicted for the capital offence of murder, but the jury found him guilty of the lesser count before Justice Jo Ann Barlow.

However, in his appeal application, the convict argued that the trial Judge erred in some areas during the summing up.

He argued that Justice Barlow erred in law when she failed to direct the jury to completely disregard the contents of the confession statement after it had been read to the jury and subsequently withdrawn from the jury.

This is in addition to Dindial arguing that the Judge erred when she failed to withdraw the case from the jury after reversing her decision to permit the caution statement into the evidence and the only implicating evidence was manifestly unreliable and the sentence was too excessive.

Reports have revealed that Henry was at a wedding house with Dindial’s relatives when an argument ensued between them. The now dead man started to act in a disorderly manner and threw down a portable toilet that was on the property where the wedding was being kept.

As such, the convict picked up a dabla (large wooden spoon) and dealt Henry several blows about his body. The man fell unconscious but was picked up and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Dindial was later arrested and prosecuted.

New Year...

T

…but still old PNC his is being written on the last day of 2021…by which time your Eyewitness had given up hope that he’d be getting a respite from the “politricks” of Guyana because of the holidays. The PNC’s reversion to the days before we’d worked out a social contract between the governors and the governed was accomplished in a snap when they created that bedlam in the National Assembly on Thursday. Life, your Eyewitness realised, was once again gonna be “nasty, brutish and short” in the coming year and beyond.

Your Eyewitness was reminded of the old story of “The Scorpion and the Frog” - which his grandfather had told him during his dissolute prepubescence. The scorpion wanted to cross a swollen river, and asked the frog to swim across with him on the latter’s back. The frog asked the scorpion if he thought he was stupid…since the scorpion would sting him. The scorpion replied that if he did that, they’d both die…and that didn’t make sense. The frog was persuaded, but halfway across, the scorpion did sting him.

As he was going down, he asked, “Why?” And the scorpion replied, “It’s my nature”!!

And so, dear reader, the nasty bedlam that erupted in the National Assembly - which guarantees the political death of the PNC for the next two decades - was because even the younger cadre of PNCites couldn’t help themselves.

It’s their nature – which was signalled by the choice they’d made to join (or remain) with a party that had just tried to rig an election before the entire world!! As they’d done for decades during the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s!

Back in 2015, the PNC had persuaded the AFC to carry them across the elections river - with their Indian support - even though the latter had earlier insisted that would make them “Dead Meat”. The PNC had retorted that they weren’t mad, and they’d behave themselves, since to do otherwise would mean their rejection at the polls. But, lo and behold, they’d barely left the Governance bank when Granger fired 7000 mostly Indian sugar workers!! One could hear Ramjattan pleading, “Why, David?? Why?” as his support base shrivelled up. And, of course, all Granger could say was, “It’s our nature!!”

In your Eyewitness’s estimation, the PNC had a good thing going with their call for the PPP to hold off for a while on passing the NRF. They’d gotten the support of some individuals and groups - not the TUC or TIGI, that’s reflexively anti-PPP - but Article 13 and, more importantly, the GEORGETOWN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE - who wanted more time for consultations. Lots of folks thought, “Why rush the brush?”

But that’s all “gone fuh channa” with the bullyism at the ACCC!! …so reject old economic shibboleths One of the major features of the just rejected PNC’s Natural Resource Fund Act, which the PPP rejected, was a “Macroeconomic Committee”. They would’ve used the esoterica of Macroeconomics to issue formulae to determine how much funds could be withdrawn from the Natural Resource Fund. The Act had stated, “There shall be persons with at least 10 years of experience of applied macroeconomics and shall hold a minimum of a master’s degree in economics or a related field from a reputable university.”

Now, your Eyewitness had problems with this requirement from the beginning - apart from the illegitimacy of the entire Act. First and foremost, which school of macroeconomics would these worthies be coming from? Marxist political economy? Keynesian?

Neo-Keynesian? Classical Free Market/Laissez-faire? NeoLiberalism? The Chicago School? Who decides?

But what’s most important of all is the world’s experience with “macroeconomists”. Not a single one of them - barring a single INDIVIDUAL (Roubini) - predicted the global economic crash of 2008!!

He belonged to no school!! …projections One thing we should learn is that we can’t make absolute predictions where humans are involved. By thinking about what’s going on - self-reflexivity - they can veer from their past behaviour and overturn predictions.

The PNC…?

Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com

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10 NEWS

SATURDAY, JANUARY 1, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Creation of Local Content Registers to start as early as next week – Minister Bharrat

T

he Government has already signalled its intention to commence the creation of the Local Content Registers as early as next week. This follows the passage of the game-changing Local Content Bill 2021 on Wednesday evening in the National Assembly.

Sharing the news was Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat during a press conference held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) on Thursday.

These two registers, as proposed in the bill, will deal specifically with the procurement of goods, and secondly, the provision of skills and employment. Minister

Bharrat noted, however, that the commencement of these registers is dependent on whether President Mohamed Irfaan Ali assents to the document.

“The [Act] will require Guyanese to register with the Local Content Secretariat at the Ministry of Natural Resources,” Minister Bharrat noted. “Even with the passage of the bill, this does not mean the end. We promised that we will have continuous consultation.”

Such continuous consultation will pave the way for the Government to expand the list of services that are outlined in the first schedule of the Local Content

Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat

Act. For instance, the oil and gas companies operat-

ing in Guyana, as well their contractors and sub-contractors must procure from Guyanese companies by the end of 2022, 90 per cent of office space rental and accommodation services; 90 per cent janitorial services, laundry and catering services; 95 per cent pest control services; 100 per cent local insurance services; 75 per cent local supply of food; and 90 per cent local accounting services. These are just some of the 40 different services outlined in the first schedule.

“It is not limited to those 40 services. We realised that these are the 40 areas in which we have the capaci-

Oil and gas workers offshore Guyana

ty to offset the demands,” Minister Bharrat said.

In another year or so, the

MoE, GTU hold end-of-year statutory meeting

– schools set to reopen for face-to-face classes on January 3

S

enior Officers of the Ministry of Education led by the Chief Education Officer, Dr Marcel Hutson, met virtually with the President of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU), Mark Lyte, and other members to discuss pertinent matters related to the education system.

Some of the matters discussed included the National Grade Six Assessment 2022, CXC examinations 2022, TVET Education, developments in literacy, teacher appraisal, the consolidated curriculum, hinterland education, and the new role of the Inspectorate Unit.

Both the Ministry and the GTU committed to continuing working closely in

Students in class

the new year to improve the education system in the best interest of all stakeholders, especially pupils and teachers.

In fact, the Education Ministry stated that pupils of Grade Six and secondary school students are expect-

ed to return to face-to-face learning on January 3, 2022, except those in Grade Seven (Form 1).

The secondary school students, except those in Form One, will be required to attend face-to-face classes every day. This caters to

students who are eligible to take the Pfizer vaccine which are being administered to adolescents.

Some students in Form One, however, cannot receive these vaccines and as such, they will not return to full face-to-face classes just yet. Classes for Form One students will begin on January 10.

This was stated in a released schedule by the Ministry which further stated that physical classes for Grades One to Five pupils will be done on a rotation basis while those in Grade Six will attend classes every day.

Arrangements will be made to accommodate the children to facilitate the

COVID-19 guideline of social distancing.

These Grade Six children are scheduled to sit the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA), Guyana’s secondary school entrance examination, later in the year.

The Ministry stated that if parents choose not to send their child to school, they must ensure that their child/children are meaningfully engaged at home.

Meanwhile, the Ministry urged that those who are expected to return to school from Monday adhere to the guidelines set out by the Health Ministry.

Further, for nursery school children, classes will be held on a rotational basis.

Natural Resources Minister stated that the Government may develop the list to 10 or even 50 new services. This number will be informed by the human resource capacity, he noted. He went on to point out that this increased figure is directly linked to the importance of continuous consultation.

“A true assessment of our capabilities will have to be done over time, and the implementation of this Act will aid in this… We need a strong Local Content Bill in place to ensure that benefits trickle down to every single Guyanese, regardless of if you are a farmer, regardless if you are a welder, mechanic, the catering business or the waste disposal business – everyone should benefit from the oil and gas sector and the opportunities that arise from this sector.”

Notably, the passed bill contains 10 amendments that were proposed by the main Opposition, the APNU/ AFC.

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 1, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

PSC “appalled”, “disappointed” at APNU/ AFC’s behaviour in National Assembly

PSC Chairman Paul Cheong

A

s criticisms continue to mount over the APNU/AFC Opposition’s behaviour in the National Assembly on Wednesday, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) has joined in condemning the coalition Members of Parliament for their “childish antics”.

During the debate of the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) Bill in the National Assembly on Wednesday evening, Opposition MPs started protesting in objection to the hearing of the proposed legislations and their actions even escalated to a confrontation between them and Parliament staff after one of the coalition Members snatched the Parliament Mace from in front of the House Speaker.

This was in addition to blowing whistles while walking around in the pit of the Assembly and surrounding Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh as he was making his presentation.

Since then, there has been widespread condemnation of the Opposition’s actions and calls for responsible MPs to be sanctioned.

In a statement on Friday, the PSC said it is “appalled and hugely disappointed” at the childish antics of the APNU/AFC Opposition in its failed attempt to disrupt and prevent the passing of the NRF Bill.

According to the Commission, it had hoped for and expected a mature and adult debate during which the public would be able to fairly and sensibly judge the merits or demerits of the Government’s presentation of this vital legislation and, in which, the Opposition could have made their case for the NRF Bill to be sent to a Special Select Committee for further debate and consultation.

“Instead,” the PSC said, “…our people were forced to witness a scene worthy of a comedy act… The responsibility now rests upon the shoulders of the Speaker of the House to ensure that those parliamentarians, who clearly crossed the line, are dealt with appropriately as provided for in the

rules and procedures of our Parliament.”

Earlier this week, the PSC had indicated its support for the passage of the NRF Bill, saying that this piece of legislation will serve as a major catalyst for Guyana’s national development in all sectors leading to unparalleled economic growth.

While the NRF Bill was successfully passed late Wednesday evening and has since been assented to by President Dr Irfaan Ali, the PPP/C Government has called for consequences against the “terrorist tactic” displayed by the Opposition.

In fact, Governance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Gail Teixeira warned during a press conference on Thursday that the APNU/AFC actions should not be taken lightly.

“What happened last night must not go down lightly because it’s saying that it’s okay to do this; that anybody could do this and it’s fine… Therefore, there must be consequences for this whether it’s a civil court, whether it’s a criminal court or whether it’s a ruling of the Speaker. But we must never take this lightly… The Opposition at this point seems to have no boundaries and that should be of concern to everybody,” Teixeira posited.

Already, National

Assembly Speaker Manzoor Nadir has reassured that the coalition Members would be punished for their attack on the Mace.

“In every Parliament,

the attack on the Mace is an attack on the authority of Parliament. That attack on the Mace cannot go unpunished. Those who attacked that Mace will have to face

the consequences. We cannot allow the attack on the Mace to go without repercussions,” the Speaker declared during a press briefing also on Thursday.

Body of headless infant found at Land of Canaan

T

he headless body of an infant was on Friday found floating in the Five-Door Koker at Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Police stated that the baby’s age is estimated between two to three weeks old. Based on reports received, on the day in question at about 14:00h, persons were walking along a trail beside the koker when they observed the body floating on the opposite side of

the canal.

Without hesitation, the Police were contacted but by the time they arrived, the body had already moved from the spot where it was initially seen.

However, the ranks established a search party with the assistance of the residents to look for the body.

During the operation, the body was spotted in a clump of bushes in the canal, some 15 feet from the Demerara River.

The body was pulled from the canal. Police confirmed that the body was in a state of decomposition.

The area was further canvassed for the head but it was not found.

It is unclear if the head was severed from the body or whether it was eaten by fish/sea creatures.

The body was subsequently transported to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home pending identification and post-mortem.

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30 NEWS

SATURDAY, JANUARY 1, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

COVID pandemic

“We must not let down our guard in 2022” – Health Minister …178 new cases, 2 new deaths reported in 1 day

A

s the new year breaks, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony has called on Guyanese to remain vigilant and practice all measures intended to keep them safe from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

During his last briefing for 2021 on Friday, an appeal was made for the population not to let their guard down when it comes to recommended measures and guidelines to be followed.

“We must not let down our guard. We should keep social distancing, sanitise our hands and wear masks as we’re in enclosed environments. If we don’t do that, there is always the possibility of getting infected. If we comply with the rules and do it diligently, then I’m sure you will be protected,” Dr Anthony highlighted.

The Health Minister further stated that if persons entertain only their close circle and are mindful of how the virus is spread, it can curtail some of the infections expected after the holiday season is over.

He added, “It is for your protection that those rules are there. One of the ways of at least trying to be safe is to make sure you’re in a space that is very ventilated, and of course, preferably for persons to wear their masks. If not, we are going to see a lot of cases.”

He reiterated that Guyanese should behave responsibly. If not, persons can easily get infected and challenge the healthcare system. Meanwhile, healthcare workers were lauded for their efforts over the past year to diagnose, treat and maintain balance throughout the pandemic. It has been almost two years since the virus was detected here in March 2020.

“During the year, we have had many cases. We have done a lot of tests to detect these cases and we have been able to treat many patients. Because of the way that our healthcare workers performed during the year, most of the patients who were affected by COVID, about 95 per cent of them were able to recover. I want to thank them for all the hard work they would have done, the sacrifices they would have made.”

New cases, deaths

Meanwhile, new statistics provided by the Ministry related that the COVID-19 death toll climbed to 1054 with two more fatalities.

This includes a 72-year-old female from Region Four who dies on December 30; and a 60-year-old male from Region Six who died on December 29.

While infections and active cases were relatively low, there was a spike on Wednesday. This hike is oc-

curring in all regions. As of Friday, there were 178 new infections which moved confirmed cases to 39,573.

Apart from high active cases in Region Four, hotspots include Providence, Eccles, Diamond, South Ruimveldt, Campbellville, New Amsterdam, Lethem, Wismar among others.

“We have to be very careful because the doubling time is much shorter with these cases. Unfortunately, if this trend continues, we have to brace ourselves for many, many more cases,” the Health Minister warned.

Additional statistics showed that there are currently 34 persons in hospital – 21 of which are at the Infectious Diseases Hospital, Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara. The health system is being bolstered to take care of a surge.

Six persons are in the Intensive Care Unit, 37 in institutional isolation, 850 in home isolation, and five in institutional quarantine.

An analysis showed three new cases in Region One (Barima-Waini); two in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam); 13 in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara); 113 in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica); one in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); 27 in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne); nine in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and 10 in Region

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD DECEMBER 31, 2021 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

178

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

37 850

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

6

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

5

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

20,897

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

18,676

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

39,573

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

37,626

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED FULLY IMMUNISED

REGION 1

1705

REGION 2

1589

REGION 3

5228

REGION 4

18,504

REGION 5

1494

REGION 6

3789

REGION 7

1816

REGION 8

623

REGION 9

2530

REGION 10

2295

HERE IS HOW YOU CAN BE SAFE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC Wear a face mask.

411,081 295,325

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020

1054

Keep a physical distance of at least 6 feet.

Wash your hands or use handsanitizer If you have any symptoms, call the COVID-19 Hotline.

GET MEDICAL ADVICE ON COVID-19 FROM MOH 24/7 HOTLINE NUMBERS: 2311166; 226 7480; 624 6674; 624 2819; 624 3067 OR 180/181.

10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice).

There were no increases in Regions Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) and Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).

Vaccination coverage showed 411,081 persons or 80.1 per cent of adults taking a first dose vaccine and 295,325 or 57.6 per cent returning for second doses.

Booster doses made a “modest” jump to 11,813 jabs.

Meanwhile, just over 29 per cent of children between the ages of 12 to 17 are completely immunised.

No Confidence Motions against Harmon, Govt Ministers thrown out – Speaker …will not be placed on Order Paper

Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir

T

he No-Confidence Motion against Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon, as well as the ones he filed against Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony and Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn, will not be heard in the National Assembly.

Speaker of the House, Manzoor Nadir, gave his reasons for this decision

during a press conference on Thursday, stating that the motions would not be placed on the Order Paper for parliamentary debate.

“The clerk has responded to two of those No Confidence Motions.

They are governed by a high court case which says that no-confidence motions should be brought against the Government, and not a particular Minister. With respect to the Government motion against the Leader of the Opposition, my position has been that the constitution is quite clear with respect to how you appoint the Leader of the Opposition, so the same process should be employed in disappointing the Leader of the Opposition. For me, it will not go on any Order Paper,” Nadir detailed.

Harmon had filed motions against Ministers Anthony and Benn back in July, calling for their resignations over what he claimed was the poor run-

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn

ning of their Ministries. His motion against Dr Anthony was seconded by former junior Health Minister Dr Karen Cummings, while his motion against Benn was seconded by shadow Home Affairs Minister Geeta Chandan-Edmond.

The APNU/AFC have contended that the management of the spread of COVID-19 has been woeful,

and confirmed COVID cases and deaths are “spiralling out of control.”

The Government side, through Prime Minister retired Brigadier Mark Phillips, filed a NoConfidence Motion against Harmon the very next day.

According to the NCM prepared by Phillips, he is demanding Harmon’s imme-

diate resignation from the position of Leader of the Opposition.

The NCM cites several grounds for Harmon’s removal, starting with his role in the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change’s (APNU/AFC) desperate fight to stay in power after losing the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections.

Phillips also contended that the Opposition Leader “recklessly misinformed the public and the National Assembly” when it comes to the COVID-19 vaccine, its efficacy, and its acquisition by the Government.

This is a reference to Harmon’s campaign against the Government’s acquisition of Sputnik V vaccines, during which he even called for a halt to the distribution of the vaccine. According to Phillips, Harmon’s actions endangered lives and increased vaccine hesitancy among an already vulnerable population.

Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon

At present, the configuration of the National Assembly sees the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) with the parliamentary majority of 33 out of 65 seats.

APNU/AFC, the main Opposition party, has 31 seats, while the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP), in collaboration with two other parties, holds one seat.

31 Opposition’s intent was to delay, derail, frustrate enactment of 2 Bills passed – Finance Minister T NEWS

SATURDAY, JANUARY 1, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

he Government will not delay the development of Guyana and Guyanese for the selfish interest of the APNU/AFC. This was made crystal clear

by Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh during a press conference on Thursday.

Minister Singh made known the stance of the Government in response to a query by the media on the Government’s decision to not defer the Local Content and Natural Resources Fund Bills to a Special Select Committee. The historic Bills were passed in the National Assembly on Wednesday.

“Every day of delay represents a day of delayed development for Guyana, and a day of delayed delivery of public good and services to

the people of Guyana,” the Minister stated.

The Minister said if the main parliamentary Opposition wanted to propose specific amendments to the NRF Bill, they had the latitude to do so. Added to that, the Minister noted that they also did not present any valid reason for their request.

Singh stated that what was even more surprising is the fact that, with the Local Content Bill, 10 of 14 recommendations made by the Opposition were approved.

He said, “Even then, they were calling for the Bill to be sent to the Special Select Committee.

“It was clear to all and sundry that their intention was to not facilitate incorporation of anybody’s views or

Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh

any such thing. Their intention was to delay, frustrate and derail the enactment of these two pieces of legislation,” Minister Singh stated.

He further added that, “The APNU/AFC want the people to be delayed the ben-

efits of these two pieces of legislation. That is why even though they tabled amendments to the Local Content Bill, they still insisted for it to go to a special select committee, notwithstanding they did not table a single

amendment in relation to the Natural Resources Fund Bill.

“There is no doubt in the mind of any right-thinking person that their design and intent was simply to delay, postpone, and derail the enactment of these two Bills, and therefore ultimately deny the Guyanese people their benefits that will flow from these two pieces of legislation.”

The Minister highlighted that while the Local Content Bill would generate business opportunities for the people of Guyana, the NRF Bill puts in place a framework for the mobilisation of the petroleum revenue being earned to advance economic development.

Minister Singh also pointed out that the NRF

Bill is not an entirely new Bill.

“This is a Bill that actually replicated 21 clauses, it represents an exact replication of what was in the Act before. So, there was already a piece of legislation that was in force with which everybody was familiar, and in particular in which the APNU/AFC would be familiar,” he said.

Additionally, the Minister noted that the parliamentary procedure as it relates to the submission and consideration of bills is extremely clear regarding the number of days between submission, publication and consideration. With that, he said the procedure was followed to ensure that the bills were tabled in the stipulated timeframe.

Midnight-to-4:00h national curfew remains in effect for January 2022

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he Government has extended the national curfew for January 2022, which will remain in effect from 00:00h to 04:00h.

The measures are effective from January 1 to January 31 – unless earlier terminated, extended, or amended by notice of the Health Minister after an assessment of the prevailing public health conditions.

In addition, from 04:00h to 23:00h, stakeholders can continue to access services at banks, markets, supermarkets, grocery shops, gas stations, postal or shipping services, beauty salons, barbershops, hardware stores, clothing or stores, or other maintenance services.

Other services, including food services, restaurants, bars (including those at hotels) can facilitate delivery, drive-thru, curbside pick-

up, and take-away services between this time window.

Self-service buffet dining is still prohibited. Gambling, pool, and snooker games are not allowed at bars.

Indoor and outdoor dining is also permitted within the same hours at 60 per cent capacity, tables spaced six feet apart, and patrons above the age of 12 in possession of their vaccination card with accompanying identification document.

There is still a restriction on social activities, where no one shall host or attend a private party, banquet, ball, reception, hotel swimming pool or waterpark, wage, vigil, club, discotheque, social club, civil organisation or association; fraternal society, or any other social activity. Sporting events require approval from the Ministry of Health.

Casinos, betting shops or cinemas can still operate, but only at forty percent capacity of the building or seating area. Patrons will only be allowed entry upon possession of a vaccination card to show their immunisation status.

The measures have remained unchanged for essential services to operate 24 hours a day, and these include: hospitals, pharmacies, the Judiciary, Parliament, diplomatic corps, Disciplined Services, solid waste management, airports, hotels or other accommodations, energy services, mining operations, security services, telecommunication providers, fisherfolks, limited port operations, construction, post service and freight, and funeral homes, among others.

The Lethem Crossing

Teens among 4 arrested with stolen motorcycles

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wo teenagers – aged 18 and 19 – were among four persons who were arrested after they were accused of stealing four motorcycles.

The incident occurred between Thursday and Friday at Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

Police said based on information received regarding the recent theft of the motorcycles, two of the suspects were arrested.

Cops added that based on the information received from the two suspects, a party of policemen conducted an operation at 14 Miles Issano Backdam and 72 Miles Kaburi Village, Potaro Road, where three motorcycles were recovered.

One of the motorcycles had its chassis and engine number filed off and at the time had no licence plate while the other two were

The motorcycles that were recovered by Police

branded “CDI” with no licence plate. The said motorcycles were found in the possession of the teenagers.

As such, they were told of the offence committed,

cautioned and taken to the Bartica Police Station where they remain in custody. The alleged stolen motorcycles were confiscated as investigations continue.

remains open for crossing of essential goods on Thursdays, and travel on Fridays. At the Moleson Creek Crossing, the Public Works Ministry would determine the days and times when it would be opened.

Flights to and from Brazil are still prohibited.

“Before any person is allowed to enter Guyana, whether by land or sea, that person shall present to the relevant authorities a negative molecular biological PCR test, or an approved antigen test taken within 72

hours of the date of their arrival in Guyana, and proof of vaccination,” the document indicated.

The Emergency measures states that a person is only considered to be ‘fully vaccinated’ two weeks after receiving an approved single-dose vaccine; the second dose of an approved twodose vaccine; or any mixand-match combination of approved vaccines administered at least 17 days apart.

Any person who fails to comply with these measures commits an offence un-

der section 48 of the Public Health Ordinance, and is liable on summary conviction to the penalty provided under that section.

Noncompliant businesses would be issued a written warning to the operator, indicating that if the operator does not comply with these measures, the business of that operator may be suspended; or where, after being warned, the operator remains uncompliant, their business will be suspended for a period not exceeding 30 days.

18 matters completed in Criminal Assizes in Berbice, Essequibo

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total of 18 matters were completed at the October Berbice and Essequibo Criminal Assizes. The assizes in Berbice commenced on October 19, 2021, during which three matters for the offence of murder were completed before Justice Sandil Kissoon.

In one of the murder matters, there were two accused persons. The number one accused was found unanimously guilty by the jury and was sentenced to death.

His co-accused pleaded guilty to the murder charge and was sentenced to life in prison with parole after serving 35 years.

In the other two matters, the accused persons entered guilty pleas to the lesser offence of manslaughter and were each sentenced to life imprisonment. One becomes eligible for parole after he would have served 35 years and the other after he would have served 30 years.

The Berbice October 2021 Criminal Assizes remains in progress until February 2022.

Meanwhile, the Essequibo October Criminal Assizes commenced on October 26 during which 15 matters were completed before Justice Priya SewnarineBeharry, who first sat in June, closed the June Criminal Session and opened the October Assizes.

Of these 15 matters, seven were for sexual offences, five for the offence of murder, and three for attempt to commit murder with alternative counts of discharging a loaded firearm with intent, felonious wounding, and robbery under arms.

In three of the sexual offence cases, the accused were found guilty by jury verdicts. Two were respectively sentenced to

18 years’ and 12 years’ imprisonment; the other offender is awaiting sentence.

Another three accused were acquitted by jury verdicts. The complainant in the other matter testified that she did not wish to proceed and the Judge directed the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty.

In the five murder cases, three accused entered guilty pleas to the lesser offence of manslaughter and were respectively sentenced to eight years, seven years, and 15 years in prison. In another case, the trial Judge upheld a no-case submission and directed the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty.

While in another case, the accused was found unanimously guilty by his jury. He is awaiting sentence. In one of the three cases for the offence of attempt to commit murder, the accused was found not guilty.

The other two accused pleaded guilty as charged. One was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment while the other is awaiting sentence. Three matters for sexual offences were nolle prosequi by the DPP because the complainants did not wish to proceed with their matters.

32 NEWS

SATURDAY, JANUARY 1, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Teen confesses to Christmas Neesa Gopaul murder Eve murder in Albouystown Mom, stepdad in bid to quash conviction at CCJ

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Dead: Deon Charles

19-year-old shopkeeper of Forshaw Street Queenstown, Georgetown, has confessed to killing Deon Charles on December 24, 2021, in Albouystown, Georgetown.

The man, one day after a wanted bulletin was issued for him, was nabbed in neighbouring Suriname, and subsequently made the confession.

A statement issued by the Guyana Police Force related that pursuant to the Police’s ongoing investigation of the murder committed on Charles, the suspect, Ezekiel Hawker aka “Alpha”, was wanted by Police.

Shortly after, a wanted bulletin was issued, and the man was arrested by law enforcement officials in Suriname who were informed by local investigators

Nabbed: Ezekiel Hawker

that he had fled the jurisdiction in an attempt to evade capture.

As a result of the collaborative efforts, Hawker was handed over by the officials from Suriname to local investigators who promptly arrested him and placed him in custody.

Subsequently, the allegation of murder committed on Charles was put to Hawker and he admitted to committing the act, under caution.

Hawker told investigators Charles had previously shot him on two occasions, and after seeing him on Christmas Eve night on James Street, Albouystown, he took revenge.

Investigators also have in custody the driver of the motor car which transported the suspect to and from the scene. He is also co-operating

with the detectives.

Police said the probe is ongoing and upon completion, the case file will be sent for legal advice.

“Guyana Police Force would like to take this opportunity to thank our law enforcement counterparts in Suriname who, over the years, have offered vital support to the GPF in apprehending suspects who have fled our jurisdiction and promptly handing them over for investigations to proceed,” the statement read.

In recent times, suspects of high-profile crimes have opted to flee the jurisdiction believing that they will forever evade justice. However, the Guyana Police Force said they intend to relentlessly pursue any suspect who adopts this course of action.

Murdered: Neesa Gopaul

Convicted: Jarvis “Barry” Small

ibi Shareema Gopaul and Jarvis “Barry” Small, who were found guilty of the October 2010 murder of her daughter, 16-year-old Neesa Gopaul, have appealed the verdicts and their 45-year jail sentence to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), according to the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Gopaul and Small were sentenced to 102 years and 96 years by Justice Navindra Singh for killing her daughter after being found guilty by a 12-member jury for the capital offence of murder. In September of this year, the

Guyana Court of Appeal upheld their convictions but reduced their sentence to 45 years’ imprisonment each.

The DPP Chambers have since confirmed that lawyers for the convicts have filed a notice of appeal at the CCJ against both the sentences and earlier convictions. At the Court of Appeal, Gopaul and Small, among other things, had argued that they were not given a fair trial and accused the trial Judge of admitting prejudicial evidence.

The decomposed and headless remains of the younger Gopaul, a former

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oments after persons on social media posted a woman selling explosives at the Anna Regina Market, she was arrested by members of the Guyana Police Force.

The woman was identified as 40-yearold Diane Narine of Richmond Housing Scheme, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).

Police said the arrest was made between 09:20h and 09:29h with a quantity of explosives.

The post that was made on social media

However, during an exercise on Friday, a party of policemen went to the Mon Repos Market area where they arrested a vendor who was seen in possession of fireworks and explosive squibs.

A 22-year-old male was arrested in the process.

The GPF is urging the public to report the sighting and sale of firecrackers and explosives to the nearest Police station or via 911.

student of Queen’s College, was found stuffed in a suitcase in a creek along the Linden-Soesdyke Highway.

Also discovered were her passport and bank card.

The suitcase was wrapped with rope and attached to dumbbells in an apparent effort to keep the young woman’s body submerged. The former QC student was found weeks after she was reported missing from her West Coast Demerara (WCD) home. Her cause of death was given as multiple blunt force trauma to the head.

GTA records 23% increase in visitors for 2021

Woman arrested while T selling explosives

Arrested: Diane Narine

Convicted: Bibi Shareema Gopaul

he Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) has announced that it has recorded a 23 per cent increase in visitor arrival for 2021 when compared to 2020, painting an indication of “resilience” in times of the COVID pandemic.

A recap of the tourism sector for last year showed that reopening international borders resulted in a stark improvement in the visitor arrival statistics.

As of September 2021, the total visitor arrival figure stood at 106,428. This reflected a 23 per cent overall increase when compared to 2020. The United States of America recorded the highest arrivals at 68 per cent, followed by the Caribbean at 16 per cent, and Canada at five per cent. In 2021, 64 per cent of visitors travelled to Destination Guyana for holiday, 12 per cent for business, 10 per cent for visiting relatives or friends and 14 per cent for other reasons.

“So far, Guyana would have contributed a total expenditure of approximately $24 billion to the local economy up to September 2021, based on the average expenditure per visitor per type at US 1060,” the GTA stated in its missive.

“Regardless of this growth, it is important that we maintain the standards that have been developed and adhered to, to win this fight against the COVID-19 pandemic…A consistent level of support is needed by

tourism businesses to ensure that the sector continues to recover safely.”

Through the support from the GTA, there has been a marked increase in tourism businesses being licensed. To date, 15 tour operators, seven tourism accommodation establishments (hotels, interior lodges or resorts), and eight tourist guides were licensed by the GTA. Additionally, 56 tourism businesses were granted conditional approvals for reopening.

The inspection efforts provided by the GTA supported the tourism businesses with their preparation for a safe reopening through a 2-step process which entailed submission of a written copy of Standard Operating Procedures for a desk review.

This was followed by an onsite inspection of businesses to verify the implementation of the SOPs and conditional approval by the GTA. On the aspect of training and capacity, it was noted that the Authority continues to work towards strengthening resilience and improving the products offered of the industry. Key training sessions were executed in areas of delivering quality service, first aid and CPR, culinary arts, event planning, successful taxi drives and more importantly, hygiene protocols. A total of 1507 persons were trained for 2021 in these areas.

“Most notably, recognising the challenges that communities within the interior

regions have faced in implementing the recommended health, hygiene and sanitation protocols at a business level the GTA the support from Inter-American Development Bank (IDB Lab), Wilderness Explorers (WE) and Development Alternatives Incorporated (DAI Global) had embarked on a month-long training session in the Rupununi Region.”

This hygiene and sanitation protocols training, as part of the safe lodges, safe guests and safe communities project was updated to reflect CARPHA guidelines, US CDC guidelines, Adventure Travel Trade Association guidelines as well as best practices that the GTA and WE have seen in the Rupununi.

The Product Development team played a significant role in developing new, safe experiences, not just for the domestic but also the regional and international markets.

As a result of extensive product assessment, community outreaches, and extensive training opportunities, a record-breaking seven new tourism experiences have been developed and launched during Tourism Awareness Month, 2021.

This included Warapoka, Santa Aratack Mission, St Cuthbert’s Mission, Bimichi Tours, Taste of Freedom Tour, Canje Sunset Tours, Fort Nassau Tours and Doe Park Eco Lodge.

FEATURE

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 1, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana’s hospitality sector rebuilding bigger and better post COVID

By Jarryl Bryan

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he global hospitality sector has taken a hit with the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, and Guyana is no exception. But after a turbulent year, companies from Linden to Berbice are reporting a steady comeback for domestic tourism.

One such company is Elite Kayaking and Nature Tours, whose founder, Deon Anderson, in an interview with this publication, spoke about how his business has adapted during and postCOVID-19 restrictions.

His tour agency’s adaptation has allowed business to steadily rise, particularly post-COVID

perience kayaking with their partner in the same kayak.

Double-seater kayaks have that romantic feel and also augers well for large groups,” Anderson explained.

Moving forward into 2022, the 34-year-old Anderson explained that Elite Kayaking and Nature Tours have special packages in store for the tourism community.

He noted that details of these tourism specials, which will be a first in Guyana, will be announced in January. But Anderson did provide a sneak preview.

“We will be surely offering special packages for high school groups, frontline workers, as well as special educational tours for 6th formers and University students from all faculties. The Engineering, Agricultural, Health and Environmental prospects of

Blackwater also offers tours to Fort Nassau

compared to a live zoological park.

Imagine for a moment kayaking down the calm historic creek with parrots, toucans and monkeys swinging above your head, adding to a view that’s unlike any other.”

Anderson is a big believer in Guyanese being aware of, and capitalising on, the eco- splendour of tourism sights in Guyana. As he

ented company showing healthy growth in the post-COVID restrictions.

Stephanie Ross, 31, and her husband Dillon started their Guyana experience as volunteers back in 2013. Always lovers of the outdoors, the idea for the business came to the couple as they were exploring the outdoors in Berbice -

Kayakers of Elite Kayaking

Co-founder of Blackwater Adventures, Dillon Ross, holding a Tarpon caught by a client in the Canje Creek

pandemic, when restrictions were eased. One of the services provided is a kayaking experience on the sparkling blue lake in Wisroc, Linden.

“Post COVID, the business has been great, with steady rise in visits. We have added new packages over the months with paintball, jet ski rides in the beautiful Riverfront, and for 2022 we will be shipping in our new double-seater kayaks, where persons can ex-

the lake and the unique biodiversity surrounding it offers much opportunities for capacity building and specific learning experiences,” he explained.

“We will also be developing other kayaking routes at other Creeks in Linden, which also lead to the Demerara River. One such route is the iconic Katabulli creek, which once powered the Christiansburg waterwheel, a creek that has a rich fauna and biodiversity to be

put it, “this is Guyana, land of eco-tourism, where we can peacefully coexist with our beautiful and amazing environment in the heart of nature, all within less than 2 hrs from the capital city.

“This is just a glimpse of the many things we have in store for 2022. Experiencing Linden with a touch of uniqueness and class.”

Black Water Adventures

Black Water Adventures, a business started by two Americans who fell in love with Guyana and became naturalised citizens, is another example of a tourism-ori-

specifically kayaking on the Canje river.

“We started the process of Black Water last year, but we launched this year August… during the pandemic, the first year, that’s kind of when the idea to start Black Water Adventures came about,” Stephanie explained.

“Because we would be doing things by ourselves, and we thought, why don’t more people come out to the Canje creek?

Why don’t people come out and do things like this? So, we went ahead and started the process to get licensed, to get a boat and all that.”

Blackwater offers a number of services, including guided fishing to catch species that include cuffum and piranha. For this service, the company provides the equipment, including the rod to the client.

According to her, business has been steady, and has seen a mixture of locals interested in seeing the rest of their country and foreigners allured by Guyana’s eco-tourism experience.

“Because we started during the pandemic, we actually talked about doing small groups. That’s actually what we specialise in… we don’t have a minimum guest requirement. We can take a solo traveller or up to eight people. So, it can be a family trip or a group of friends,” they explained.

“We have gotten a mix… we’ve gotten several local people from Georgetown come down. We’ve even had people from right in the area that we do the tour come out and tour with us. And then, of course, some international travellers as well,” they explained.

Going forward, Stephanie spoke of some of the plans for the new year. This includes organising camping trips for guests desirous of overnight camping as part of their tourism package.

“We are constantly trying to think of new things to do. But the best thing is, we get to offer customizable trips, so you get to pick what you want to do and we get to cater that trip to you,” Stephanie said.

“But we are looking forward to possibly doing some camping trips, some overnight trips. That is not something that we have really done recently, but we want to secure a safe location to do that, and the guests can enjoy camping.”

34 NEWS

SATURDAY, JANUARY 1, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

14 PWDs complete Human Services Ministry’s training in ICT

Dr Persaud presenting a assistive aid to one of the participants Human Services Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud and Permanent Secretary Shannielle Hoosein-Outar (fifth and sixth from left) with participants of the recently concluded training for PWDs

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uman Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud recently distributed assistive aids, tablets and wheelchairs to the first batch of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) who completed a specialised Information and Communications Technology (ICT) training recently.

The distribution that took place was to assist them in continuing their studies and practice at home. Upon completion of the course, through Nations University, they were encouraged to continue making an effort to educate

Minister Persaud listening to the concerns of this participant

themselves.

Hazel Sears, one of the beneficiaries of the training, especially enjoyed learning how to type and is looking

forward to more training opportunities because she said there is still a lot left for her to learn about software and programmes that

are specific to PWDs. One of the visually impaired participants, Colin Caesar, stated that this was a life-changing experience that opens up the world of further studies and work to him.

It was the first time that Omar Ramjit, another participant, used a computer and he said he thoroughly enjoyed doing so. He, like many other trainees, also benefitted from guidance on how to use the JAWS software. (JAWS is a computer screen reader program that allows blind and visually impaired users to read the screen, such as through a text-to-speech output) In offering congratulatory remarks to the participants, Minister Persaud noted that the Ministry is

offering varied free courses to persons living with disabilities which are expected to benefit over 600 PWDs. “I know it wasn’t an easy one for you and required tremendous sacrifice and I hope that with the training you can go on to do so much more for yourselves,” she offered.

Commenting on the practicality of the training, Dr Persaud continued: “ICT is so widely used now in the world, especially under the COVID-19 pandemic situation but it’s not only about the training; this can go toward making you independent. Our intention is to help you to start your own businesses and to help you in as many ways as we can in the new year.”

Early in 2022, Minister

Persaud plans to engage PWDs so as to bring them up-to-date on all of the initiatives and programmes that the Ministry has planned for the future. A major one is the operationalising of the centre that is being built in the Mahaica Hospital compound.

At this facility, the Ministry will continue to offer technical and vocational skills and PWDs will have somewhere to host their events. “You can now have a place and a space to call your own,” Dr Persaud said.

The Ministry is also working on collaboration with the Small Business Bureau to have that this facility available to PWDs so that they can benefit from funds to start their own businesses.

Acting Technical Officer of the Difficult Circumstances Unit Satesh Rajpat offered that the Ministry has been training persons with disabilities in various areas, the predominant one being ICT. The training encouraged PWDs to continue to educate themselves despite the current challenges, Rajpat noted.

According to him, 14 PWDs were able to complete the first set of training and other classes will start soon in guidance and counselling, sewing, mobility and a host of other areas. The classes are small in size to offer personalised support.

Finding a Caribbean Hindu Space: CSEC RELIGIOUS EDUCATION in the Caribbean

Dear Editor, Five special Hindus met virtually for about six hours on December 12, 2021 in an attempt to contribute changes they wished to see in their world. That world may be limited to the Caribbean, but the knowledge they wanted to share is universal. These volunteers from various educational and professional backgrounds were struggling to meet a deadline of December 13, as CXC was in the process of reviewing the syllabus for Hinduism. They painstakingly combed through the 2012 syllabus, comprising of 180 pages, and came up with a consensus of 12 pages of amendments they thought should be included and taught to students in the Caribbean.

A few of them had recently contributed submissions with respect to the IndoCaribbean history syllabus, and only coincidentally learned that Hinduism was also about to be reviewed. Within two weeks, they created a network of volunteers from many countries, who shared their ideas that produced a proposal that was shared with the CXC board. Their request to appear virtually before the decision-makers could not be accommodated, but they were promised a copy of the draft syllabus.

It was very clear to them that the advent of political independence did not mean that education was free from colonial influence. They were reminded of the dictum of Chanakya: “people, no matter how wealthy, cannot claim to be free if they are enslaved by a foreign culture”. They had to address terms that express the views of other religions, but which were alien to Hinduism. This challenge starts with the fact that this knowledge-based philosophical system was not a religion in the first

place, with no prophets or founder, and not a single book. Other alien concepts, like heaven, hell, and sin, pervade other religions, but also infiltrated the psyche of every student who was exposed to Judea-Christian values taught in all Government schools.

This may have been reflected in the fact that only a few students register for the Hinduism option of religious education.

Researchers can confirm the exact number after conducting a survey, and provide an explanation for a state of affairs which many Hindu leaders may find embarrassing.

When Indentureship ended in 1917, about half a million Indians had arrived in the Caribbean. Guyana alone had the largest number of approximately 268,000. Trinidad and Jamaica also had significant numbers, but a substantial majority were Hindus.

Census figures indicate a gradual reduction of Hindus as a percentage of the total population over the years. Some speculate that if this trend continues in another 50 years, even Guyana and Trinidad would follow other Caribbean islands that witnessed the disappearance of the culture that came with their ancestors from India.

Of all the religions practised in the region, there is little doubt that Hinduism in perhaps the least understood, and it is necessary to teach it properly in the classroom by qualified professionals. While credit must be given to priests and the temples and similar organisations for keeping the culture alive, it is clear that a more systematic and comprehensive method of teaching is required. If costs were a barrier, this is rapidly changing.

We are aware of a few recent attempts to fill a huge void. One is the establish-

ment of the Badrinaath Ashram by the generous Dhanrajh family on the Essequibo Coast, where students, including girls, can be trained to become priests within one year, free of cost, including accommodation. (badrinaathashram@gmail.com) Students of any age can also attend free online classes taught by the Radha Krishna Foundation in Hindi, music, classical dance, karate, Sanskrit. Yoga, etc. with volunteer teachers from India to Guyana. (support@ radhakrishnafoundation).

The Caribbean needs intellectual spaces where the Hindu tradition, culture, philosophy etc. can be debated. Also needed are special libraries with Hindu texts. The sordid history must be told and recorded, but Hindus cannot continue to see ghosts of Colonialism and play victims forever.

The Hindu College at Cove and John, Guyana, can be expanded to be one of those unique locations. Its dormitory can house about 75 students from anywhere in the Caribbean, but the buildings are old and need some renovation. The recently constructed computer centre should attract technology students. However, the entire campus has potential for expansion, but this will need the help of former graduates and others who now live all over the globe.

Trinidad, with its numerous private Hindu schools, has already made a difference, but the syllabus on Hinduism, if amended, would introduce all students from any institution to this ancient culture.

No matter if schools are private or public schools, more parents and teachers need to persuade students to take the CSEC examinations. Everyone must take some pride

in global developments, supporting cultural practices that may not have been appreciated by many in the region.

On Tuesday December 15, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) added “Durga Puja in Kolkata” to its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of humanity element. This makes the representative list 14 for India alone.

By promoting and safeguarding this ancient heritage of oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals, festive events and knowledge, UNESCO contributes to social cohesion and a lasting culture of peace.

Adults who wish to expand their knowledge and cannot afford to travel overseas can do online studies at the Hindu University of America (info@hua.edu). This pioneering institution concentrates on a dharmic perspective by offering courses in Hindu philosophies, traditions, culture and civilization, with a global faculty.

Parents are well advised to teach their children Dharma as early as possible, for society now gives them ample access to Adharma.

The social issues resulting from exposure to some sources are numerous and harmful, including alcohol and drug abuse, domestic violence, and even suicide.

The recently formed group CSEC HINDUISM ADVOCACY NETWORK plans to produce educational materials or links to same, to assist students to prepare for the examination. In addition, they will be seeking volunteers to teach the subject online.

(Dr Indranie Rampersaud) Contact: CARIBBEANHINDUADVOCACY NETWORK@GMAIL.COM

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 1, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

PPP remains confident New Year is a time for looking ahead with hope for a brighter future – PNCR in resoluteness, strength O of all Guyanese

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he People’s Progressive Party (PPP) joins with all others in extending best wishes to our Guyanese brothers and sisters here at home and in the Diaspora, for a peaceful, prosperous, and productive 2022. The dawn of a New Year offers an opportune moment for reflection on successes and failures, an assessment of strengths and weaknesses, the charting of relevant courses for personal advancement, and the move forward for the collective prosperity as a nation.

While 2021 was challenging as Guyana and the World at large grappled with the effects brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, our country is poised for exciting times ahead, as we work towards rebuild-

ing our economy, moving our country forward in new frontiers of development, and creating opportunities for all.

In the face of whatever challenges may confront us in the coming year, our Party remains confident in the resoluteness and strength of all Guyanese, and in our collective will to mitigate them.

May we all be imbued with a sense of renewal and enthusiasm as we work assiduously to strengthen bonds of togetherness to aid in the realisation of the fundamental value of our national motto, and to engage in a renewal of ideas for the attainment of success.

Once again, best wishes for a joyous New Year!

ur lives have been disrupted by the COVID-19 global pandemic, which is persistently challenging our capacity, resolve, and determination to end its destructive reign.

Notwithstanding the failures of the Government in controlling the pandemic, I look forward to engaging you, our people, in efforts to find reasonable ways to limit the impact of the pandemic on our lives, and forestall the other global threats, especially that of climate change.

COVID-19 is a serious matter, let us all exercise the necessary caution and observe the globally accepted protocols that have been articulated for our personal protection and that of our society. We should not allow this country of ours to fall victim to the poor and partisan leadership being

dis-

played during the pandemic by the installed Ali Government…

The People’s National Congress Reform is committed to treating all Guyanese as equal, and deserving to benefit from the resources of our well-endowed country. We are committed to improving the quality of life of the poor, the vulnerable, single parents, the elderly, and all Guyanese who are disadvantaged…

New Year is a time for looking ahead, always with hope for a brighter future.

In 2022, our preoccupation as a Party will be to provide the requisite leadership to effect change. We will continue the fight for a fair, just, and equitable Guyana. We must be ever more vigilant in holding the Government accountable as we insist that they stop violating our laws and Constitution.

We are committed to tackling the burning issues of the day, such as corruption, discrimination, poverty, crime, unemployment, especially youth unemployment and the non-support of small and micro-businesses.

May Guyana remain a Blessed country, as I once more wish you a Happy and prosperous 2022! May the Lord bless you all. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Our collective ingenuity, dynamism and promise of integration will prevail New Year gives us an opportunity to reinvigorate our enthusiasm - GOGEC – John Briceño, Caricom Chairman

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Happy New Year to all, as we usher in 2022 with hope and optimism.

The past two years have seen all plans affected by the COVID-19 virus which has caused profound social and economic turmoil. The prospects for our recovery hinge on the urgent acceleration of vaccinations, which remains alarmingly low in our Community. Further delay inequitable access to vaccines will stress our health systems and personnel, and delay our economic recovery.

Throughout the pandemic regional cooperation, collaboration and solidarity have been at the centre of our national responses – a clear affirmation of the necessity and dividends of our integration.

Notwithstanding the immense challenges ahead and the inherent risks and vulnerabilities that have always accompanied our existence, the Community possesses the requisite capacities, strategies and plans, and the will and courage to forge a resilient and prosperous Caribbean Community.

While responding to the pandemic we have also been crafting the framework for a regional recovery which aligns with our aspirations for sustainable development and resilience.

The work of the Community’s Special Ministerial Task Force on Food Production and Food

Security will be critically important in the coming year, advancing actions to stimulate economic growth and fortifying our food systems against supply chain disruptions.

The pandemic has underscored the importance of integrating digital technologies into our economic, social and governance structures. Therefore, to spur the digital transformation of our single Caribbean space, we will advance our Regional Digital Development Strategy.

The outcome of COP26 has not provided us with sufficient time, space or resources to confront the catastrophic, immediate and slow-onset impacts of climate change occurring in our Small Island and Lowlying Coastal Developing States. We must be resolute in our demands and advocacy to ensure that the obligations and commitments both on emissions and financing are honoured by the developed and G 20 countries.

To maximise the effect of our advocacy, the formation of strategic alliances is a key element. We will be seeking to build on the successful first CARICOM-Africa Summit which identified several areas for common action, including climate change and the application of a Multidimensional Vulnerability Index to allow for the inclusion of more than just income-based criteria to assess eligibility for concessionary finance.

We welcome the approaches by our friends in the Pacific and the Indian Oceans, and look forward to consolidating our partnership with them, as we make common cause with fellow SIDS through AOSIS. We will also be revitalising our links with Central America through the Central American Integration System, of which Belize is also a Member.

Within our Caribbean Community, the situation in Haiti commands our attention. The precarious political, social, economic and security situations present a formidable challenge. We will continue to reach out to all the stakeholders, as we seek to support all Haitians in arriving at a Haitian-led solution. This is the only way forward for peace and stability.

I take up the Chairmanship of CARICOM, following the Hon. Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda. I wish to commend him for his sterling leadership of our Community over the last six months.

As we enter this new year, challenges abound both within and outside the Community. But I am confident that with our collective ingenuity, the dynamism and promise of our integration, and our enduring Caribbean resilience our Caribbean civilization will prevail.

Have a happy, safe and productive New Year!

I

t is the time of the year when we reflect on the past and set our hopes and intentions for the days ahead. A new year gives us an opportunity to reinvigorate our enthusiasm for chas-

ing our goals and dreams.

The start of every year takes you a step closer to the attainment of your dreams.

The Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber hopes that this year is the breakthrough

one, and your dreams finally turn into reality.

May this New Year bring you a peace-filled life, warmth and togetherness in your family, and much prosperity! HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2022, time for a change - AFC

U

nfortunately, 2021 will be remembered for COVID and for the cronyism and absolute contempt of the PPP. These cast a dark and foreboding cloud over and around the nation. Thankfully, the silver-lining around this dark cloud has been the indomitable spirit of the Guyanese people, who triumph in the bleakest of circumstances when we realise that “we, the people,” are resilient, innovative, and tougher than we give ourselves credit for.

We all watched as COVID continued to claim life after life, as an obviously flawed plan of action continued to be pushed by the Administration - one set of rules were applied for “friends and family”, and another for everyone else.

Were it not for the resilience and savvy of Guyanese, the situation would have been far more dire than it already is.

Again, the overwhelming majority of Guyanese were made to stand aside and watch as cash grants, lucrative contracts, and special favours were doled out to friends and supporters of the political elite,

while the rest of the country was forced to look on, and were told to “deal with it”! Worst of all, the Public Servants, the back-bone of Government, was given a miserly 7% increase, while others got grant after grant, and even the 7% increase.

This is untenable, and is increasing the tensions between the “haves and havenots”.

Precious tax-payers money cannot continue to be used wantonly and indiscriminatingly. Such a situation cannot hold indefinitely without reaching a tragic tipping-point. The PPP is inexplicably and deliberately pushing the country to a breaking point. This has to stop!

And then there is the brazen contempt. Most recently, as the year ends, the nation is faced with the spectre of a vulgar grab of the proceeds in the Natural Resource Fund by the PPP. There is no pretence about what is being achieved through Bill No. 20 of 2021.

Facile arguments about the original (2018) NRF legislation being unconstitutional are seen for what they are - transparent fig leaves

meant to be a veneer during the move for tyrannical control of the emerging wealth.

Despite all the shouts, screams, and even stunts to get the PPP to slow down, listen and respond, it did as it always does - deny, defy, and denigrate anyone who has a contrary view.

It is time to bid farewell to the sour memories of 2021; time to honour the fallen unsung heroes in our society who labour without recognition - including some of whom have passed to the great beyond; time to reach for a higher level of governance and social cohesion, and time to cast our vision towards making 2022, the New Year, one in which we Guyanese will be free from fear of recrimination, free from the ravages of COVID, and free from oppressive Government.

One expects the PPP to shake off its lust for recrimination and absolute control, and begin to recognise that it is to govern on behalf of, and for, all Guyanese. It is time for “One Guyana”!

Time is of the essence.

A Happy, Peaceful, and Prosperous 2022 to all Guyanese!

36

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, JANUARY 1, 2022

Around the World

New Year celebrations muted by Omicron, but South Africa offers hope

A

lthough farewell celebrations to the pandemic year of 2021 were almost as muffled as those that ushered it in, news that the Omicron variant wave appeared to be starting to recede brought hope for a happier New Year.

The Australian city of Sydney was one place where the New Year charged in with something like full swagger, as spectacular fireworks glittered in the harbour above the Opera House.

But many other landmark cities were forgoing pyrotechnics as midnight rolled across the globe, with displays called off at Paris’s Arc de Triomphe, London’s riverside and the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur.

Fireworks explode over Sydney Harbour during New Year’s Eve celebrations in Sydney, Australia, January 1, 2022

The glittering ball is still due to drop at New York’s Times Square, but the crowd shouting out the countdown of the year’s exit is set to be a quarter the usual size

- masked up, socially distanced, and with vaccine proof in hand.

Still, South Africa, which first raised the alarm about the new fast-spreading coro-

navirus variant, gave the world one of the last big good surprises of the year, becoming the first country to declare its Omicron wave had crested - and with no huge surge in deaths. The abrupt lifting of a night-time curfew meant celebrations could ring in 2022.

The sudden arrival of Omicron has brought record-setting case counts to countries around the world.

Although deaths have not risen in kind, bringing hope the new variant is milder, many countries have reimposed restrictions to prevent healthcare systems from being overwhelmed.

Even where gatherings are permitted, many people have chosen to stay home.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Betty White, working actress into her 90s, dies just shy of her 100th birthday

C

omedic actress Betty White, who capped a career of more than 80 years by becoming America’s geriatric sweetheart after Emmywinning roles on television sitcoms “The Golden Girls” and “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” has died less than three weeks shy of her 100th birthday, People magazine said on Friday, quoting her agent.

The agent, Jeff Witjas, told the magazine: “Even though Betty was about to be 100, I thought she would live forever.” No cause was cited.

In a youth-driven entertainment industry where an actress over 40 faces career twilight, White was an elderly anomaly who was a star in her 60s and a pop culture phenomenon in her 80s and 90s.

Cast member Betty White attending the premiere of the 3-D animated film “Dr Seuss’ The Lorax” in Los Angeles February 19, 2012

White said her longevity was a result of good health, good fortune and loving her work.

“It’s incredible that I’m still in this business and

that you are still putting up with me,” White said in an appearance at the 2018 Emmy Awards ceremony, where she was honored for her long career. “It’s in-

credible that you can stay in a career this long and still have people put up with you. I wish they did that at home.”

“Old age hasn’t diminished her,” the New York Times wrote in 2013. “It has given her a second wind.”

Minutes after news emerged of her death, US President Joe Biden told reporters: “That’s a shame.

She was a lovely lady.” His wife Jill Biden said: “Who didn’t love Betty White?

We’re so sad about her death.”

Betty Marion White was born on Jan 17, 1922, in Oak Park, Illinois, and her family moved to Los Angeles during the Great Depression, where she attended Beverly Hills High School.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil posts biggest annual gain since at least 2016

O

il prices fell on Friday but were set to post their biggest annual gains since at least 2016, spurred by the global economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic slump and producer restraint, even as infections reached record highs worldwide.

Brent crude futures settled down US$1.75, or 2.2 per cent, at US$77.78 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures dropped US$1.78, or 2.31 per cent, to US$75.21 a barrel.

Brent ended the year up 50.5 per cent, its biggest gain since 2016, while WTI posted a 55.5 per cent gain, the strongest performance for the benchmark contract since 2009, when prices soared more than 70 per cent.

Both contracts touched their 2021 peak in October, with Brent at US$86.70 a barrel, the highest since 2018, and WTI at US$85.41 a barrel, the highest since 2014.

“This year was a story of global recovery for petroleum products,” said John Kilduff, a partner at Again Capital Management in New York.

“The oil market continues to be highly reactive to developments on the pandemic front - we’re not out of the woods yet, but we are close to pre-pandemic demand levels.”

Global oil prices are expected to rise further next year as jet fuel demand catches up.

“We’ve had Delta and Omicron and all manner of lockdowns and travel restrictions, but demand for oil has remained relatively firm,” said Australian brokerage firm CommSec’s Chief Economist Craig James.

“You can attribute that to the effects of stimulus supporting demand and restrictions on supply.”

However, after rising for several straight days, oil prices stalled on Friday as COVID-19 cases soared to new pandemic highs across the globe, from Australia to the United States, stoked by the highly transmissible Omicron coronavirus variant.

US health experts warned Americans to prepare for severe disruptions in coming weeks, with infection rates likely to worsen amid increased holiday travel, New Year celebrations and school reopenings following winter breaks.

A Reuters survey of 35 economists and analysts forecast Brent crude would average US$73.57 a barrel in 2022, about 2 per cent lower than the US$75.33 consensus in November.

It is the first reduction in the 2022 price forecast since the August poll.

Easing production outages in Nigeria and Ecuador weighed on prices earlier this week.

With oil hovering near US$80, the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, Russia and allies - together called OPEC+ - will probably stick to their plan to add 400,000 barrels per day of supply in February when they meet on Jan 4, four sources said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

COVID-19: WHO Chief optimistic Four soldiers killed in raid disease will be beaten in 2022 on Pakistan Taliban hideout

T

he World Health Organisation (WHO) chief said he is optimistic that the coronavirus pandemic will be defeated in 2022, provided countries work together to contain its spread.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned against “narrow nationalism and vaccine hoarding” in a new year statement.

His comments come two years since the WHO was first notified of cases of an unknown pneumonia strain in China.

Global COVID cases now stand at 287m, while nearly 5.5m people have died.

Across the world people

are marking the new year but celebrations are muted, with many countries wanting to discourage crowds gathering.

Coronavirus remains part of daily life: a disease that has shut borders, split families and in some places made it unthinkable to leave the house without carrying a mask.

Despite all this, Dr Tedros sounded a positive note in his speech, noting that there are now many more tools to treat COVID-19.

But he warned that continuing inequity in vaccine distribution was increasing the risk of the virus evolving.

While most of the population in Europe and the Americas have received at least one dose, a WHO target of full vaccination rates in 40 per cent of every country by the end of 2021 has been missed across most of Africa.

Dr Tedros has previously criticised wealthier nations for “gobbling up” the global vaccine supply, fully vaccinating much of their populations while others wait for their first doses.

The WHO has set a new goal for 2022: vaccinate 70 per cent of people in all countries by July to end the pandemic. (Excerpt from BBC News)

F

our soldiers have been killed in an exchange of gunfire with the Pakistani Taliban, the country’s army said, in the deadliest confrontation between the armed group and security forces since a truce was called off earlier this month.

The military said on Friday that security forces raided two hideouts in a former Taliban stronghold near Afghanistan.

The first raid was carried out in the Tank district in the northwest, killing two armed fighters, the statement said.

The other strike was carried out in the North Waziristan district, captur-

ing a fighter before four soldiers died in the fighting.

Security forces were raiding suspected hideouts in the town of Mir Ali in North Waziristan when the soldiers were killed “during an intense exchange of fire”.

One “terrorist” was apprehended with weapons and ammunition, the statement added.

The military said troops seized a cache of weapons during both raids.

Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) – a separate movement that shares common roots with the Afghan Taliban that took power in Afghanistan in August – confirmed the army raid was

on one of its hideouts.

Pakistan’s restive border region has long been a stronghold for groups such as the TTP, which operates across the porous boundary with Afghanistan.

Founded in 2007, the movement is most notorious for a 2014 attack on a school in Peshawar which killed nearly 150 children.

In response, Pakistan waged a crushing crackdown on the armed group, forcing fighters into hiding in Afghanistan.

Pakistan is now attempting to quash a TTP resurgence following the victory of the Afghan Taliban.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

SATURDAY, JANUARY 1, 2022

37

Hetmyer, Gayle not in West Indies squads for White-ball series against Ireland and England T

he Cricket West Indies (CWI) Interim Selection Panel today announced the squads for the upcoming series against Ireland and England. The West Indies will start the new year at Sabina Park, Jamaica, as they host Ireland in the three-match CG Insurance One-Day International (ODI) Series and a oneoff CG Insurance T20 International (T20I) from January 8 to 16.

The two-time World Champions will then travel to Barbados to face England in five T20Is at Kensington Oval, from January 22 to 30.

“We have tried to maintain the general makeup of the squads from the Pakistan Tour be-

fore Christmas, with the captain and some senior players coming back in.

COVID-19 has also played a part in the final makeup of the squad. The challenges in the next couple months are getting the young players in both squads to not only improve on their skills but maintain the attitude and desire we saw in Pakistan,” Head Coach Phil Simmons has said.

“We do need to start the year on a high. And we know both Ireland and England have very good teams, so we expect a very strong challenge as we look to improve our chances of automatic qualification for the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2023, and building the T20 team for the ICC T20

World Cup in 2022.”

The CG Insurance ODI Series between West Indies and Ireland will form part of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League, in which the top seven teams can secure automatic qualification for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 in India.

The current ICC Super League table standings can be found here: https:// bit.ly/3BHzwt4 All matches will be available in Ireland and the United Kingdom on BT Sport on its sport channels, and across its digital platforms.

CG Insurance ODIs vs Ireland * Kieron Pollard (captain) * Shai Hope (vice-captain)

* Shamarh Brooks * Roston Chase * Justin Greaves * Jason Holder * Akeal Hosein * Alzarri Joseph

Rohit misses South Africa ODIs with injury, Rahul named Captain

K

L Rahul has been named captain of India’s ODI team for the three-match series against South Africa starting next month, with Rohit Sharma failing to recover from the hamstring injury that ruled him out of SA Tests.

The BCCI on Friday capped off the year by announcing India’s 18-member squad for the three matches to be played on January 19, 21 and 23.

“I must inform you all that Rohit Sharma is not fit. It means that he will not be going for ODIs. He is working on his fitness, and the most important thing from the selectors’ perspective is that we absolutely did not want to take a chance with Rohit Sharma.

This is an important series, and since he wasn’t 100 percent, all five selectors felt it was better not to take this chance,” Chetan Sharma, Chairman of the BCCI Selection Committee, said.

In a first, Jasprit Bumrah was named the vice-captain of the team, while veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who earlier returned to India’s T20I squad, made his comeback to the 50-over format for the first time in four years. Ashwin’s last ODI dates back to June of 2017 against West Indies.

A couple of promising youngsters earned their maiden ODI call-up.

Reaping the rewards of a sensational IPL for Chennai Super Kings - where he won the Orange Cap in scoring 635 runs - and an equally phenomenal run in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he emerged as the tournament’s highest run-scorer with 603 runs from five matches, including four centuries, Gaikwad has entered the Indian ODI

fold.

The 24-year-old batter had received his India cap earlier this year in July, playing two T20Is against Sri Lanka. Iyer, too, was in red-hot form in VHT, scoring 379 runs and grabbing nine wickets from six matches.

Left-handed batter Shikhar Dhawan has retained his place in India’s ODI squad, after leading the team in Sri Lanka, and is likely to be Rahul’s opening partner, while the Pandya brothers - Hardik and Krunal - continue to remain absent.

The duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel, who missed the SA Tests due to respective injuries, will continue to sit out, as both are yet to recover entirely.

The South Africa ODIs will also offer an opportunity for Bhuvneshwar Kumar to try and recapture the form and swing that made him a threat in the absence of Mohammed Shami, whom Sharma announced has been provided rest, factoring in workload management.

Partnering him and Bumrah will be Prasidh Krishna, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur and Mohammed Siraj as the other four pacers.

It was also announced during the virtual presser that six players in leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi, all-rounders Rishi Dhawan and Shahrukh Khan, and pacers Harshal Patel and Avesh Khan were discussed, and although they did not make the cut, the likelihood of that happening soon is strong.

India squad for SA ODIs: KL Rahul (Captain), Shikhar Dhawan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Venkatesh Iyer, Rishabh Pant, Ishan Kishan, Ravichandran Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah (Vice-captain), Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Deepak Chahar, Prasidh Krishna, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj. (Hindustan Times)

* Gudakesh Motie * Jayden Seales * Nicholas Pooran * Romario Shepherd * Odean Smith * Devon Thomas COVID-19 Reserves * Keacy Carty * Sheldon Cottrell * Hayden Walsh Jr.- T20Is – Australia T20Is vs Ireland and England * Kieron Pollard (captain) * Nicholas Pooran (vice-captain) * Fabian Allen (England T20Is only) * Darren Bravo (England T20Is only) * Roston Chase * Sheldon Cottrell * Dominic Drakes * Shai Hope * Akel Hosein * Jason Holder * Brandon King * Kyle Mayers * Rovman Powell * Romario Shepherd * Odean Smith * Hayden Walsh Jr. COVID-19 Reserves * Jayden Seales * Alzarri Joseph * Devon Thomas NOTES * Evin Lewis and Anderson Phillip are unavailable due to recent COVID-19 positive tests * Fabian Allen has re-

covered from ankle injury, but is unavailable for the Ireland series due to a COVID-19 positive test * Obed McCoy is unavailable due to rehab on shin injury Match Schedule * Ireland series at Sabina Park, Jamaica * January 8: 1st CG Insurance ODI (9:30am local time/10:30am Eastern Caribbean) * January 11: 2nd CG Insurance ODI (9:30am local time/10:30am Eastern Caribbean) * January 14: 3rd CG Insurance ODI (9:30am local time/10:30am Eastern Caribbean) * January 16: one-off T20I (4pm local time/5pm Eastern Caribbean) * England series at Kensington Oval, Barbados * January 22: 1st T20I (4pm local time/3pm Jamaica) * January 23: 2nd T20I (4pm local time/3pm Jamaica) * January 26: 3rd T20I (4pm local time/3pm Jamaica) * January 29: 4th T20I (4pm local time/3pm Jamaica) * January 30: 5th T20I (4pm local time/3pm Jamaica) (Windies Cricket)

NBA Roundup…

Embiid stars as 76ers down Nets despite Durant return, streaking Bucks extend winning run

J

oel Embiid bossed the Eastern Conferenceleading Brooklyn Nets despite the return of Kevin Durant, as the Philadelphia 76ers center scored 34 points in a 110-102 win on Thursday.

Embiid finished with 34 points, including three triples, six rebounds, three steals and one block, as tension boiled over between him and Durant, who exchanged words late in the game and gestured demonstrably after the final buzzer, based on their history.

Durant returned from protocols with 33 points, seven rebounds and four assists, while James Harden recorded a tri-

ple-double with 33 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists.

The 76ers got home in a tight encounter with a 26-20 final quarter helping them to their third straight win and fourth in a row on the road.

Brooklyn’s record moves to 23-10, while the 76ers improve to 19-16 as the East heats up.

Champions clinch fifth win in a row

Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks were in the mood with a 136118 victory over the Orlando Magic. The 2021 NBA Finals MVP scored 33 points with

12 rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks for the reigning champions.

Jrue Holiday (25 points, five rebounds, seven assists) and Khris Middleton (22 points, three triples, six assists) made valuable contributions as the Bucks claimed their fifth consecutive win to improve to 24-13.

Bradley Beal returned from protocols with 29 points, six rebounds and 10 assists, while Kyle Kuzma had 25 points with 10 rebounds as the Washington Wizards won 110-93 over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Kevin Love top scored for the Cavs, who were without Darius Garland in protocols, with 24 points and 11 rebounds.

Mills errant from range

Australian guard Patty Mills had an unhappy time in the Nets’ loss to the 76ers, shooting one of eight from beyond the arc, and 20 percent from the field for five points.

(Sportsmax)

38 RHTY&SC surpasses target of 715 activities in most successful year in its history SATURDAY, JANUARY 1, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

- construction of homes, Sinclair debut highlights of 2021

S

ince its formation in 1990, the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) has always prided itself in not only being one of Guyana leading cricket clubs, but also one making a positive

struction of homes for families. Among the persons who benefited were the club’s Assistant Secretary/CEO Simon Naidu, and 64-yearold Chunilall Sonaroo.

The international debut

On the cricket field, the club won the Elizabeth Styles Under 21, Let’s Bet County wide 20/20, Rose Hall Town 51st Anniversary Cup, and Nand Persaud females 20/20 tournaments,

The RHT Namilco under-21 team - Berbice Under-21 Champions

difference in the lives of others.

The club, which is the only youth and sports organisation to ever receive a national award, is celebrating another successful year after successfully completing 746 activities in 2021, despite

of Kevin Sinclair was another highlight for the club, as he became the 11th RHTY&SC member to play at the international level, while Dominic Rikhi, a product of the club, later in the year played for the USA. Shemaine Campbelle,

Official handing over home to Chunilall Sonaroo and family

the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and lack of activities on the cricket field.

Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster, in an end-ofyear report, stated that management of the club was able to stay focused by expanding the club’s Say Yes/Say No campaign, which encourages youths to say yes to education, sports, life, culture, religion; and No to drugs, crime, suicide, pre-marital sex and alcohol.

The highlight of 2021 was the spearheading of the construction of three homes for three families. It was the first time that the club was involved in the con-

Sheneta Grimmond and Shabika Gajnabi represented the region at the international level, while the promising Jonathan Rampersaud was invited to the CWI Training Camp for the under-19 players.

Kevlon Anderson also earned a central contract with the Guyana Cricket Board. With only one GCB inter-county tournament been played in 2020, three club members - Rampersaud, Chanderpaul Govindan and Tyreese Sealey - represented Berbice. All three of these female cricketers received contracts with Cricket West Indies.

and has, to date, reached the semifinals of the Tenelec Under-15 and NBS Second Division tournaments.

The outstanding members of the club have been recognised and honoured during the hosting of the 31st Annual Awards Ceremony.

Kevin Sinclair and Anderson won the top awards, while Minister of Sports Charles Ramson Jnr was inducted as the club’s sixth Honorary Patron. The RHTY&SC, in 2021, assisted their fellow cricket clubs with over two million dollars’ worth of cricket balls, cricket gears, scorebooks, educational materials, trophies, and medals, among other items; while hundreds of youths also benefited from donations of school bags and bicycles in an effort to assist them in their educational career.

Several public institutions benefited from the hard work of the club, with special emphasis being placed on the Rose Hall Town Police Outpost, Port Mourant Public Hospital, and the Rose Hall Town Mayor and Town Council.

The club sponsored the 51st Anniversary celebration of the township, which included at least twelve activities, and made numerous donations during the year, including a small financial bonus for staff.

The Basil Butcher Trust Fund assisted youths across the country as far as Linden and Essequibo, Georgetown and the East Coast of Demerara with cycles and educational materials, while over twenty senior citizens received medical assistance in form of doctor’s fees. The club also assisted over thirty persons with funds to improve their lives, including the construction of a septic tank for an elderly male.

As part of its Say No to Crime programme, the cricket teams installed over forty solar lights in the township

and surrounding villages, but sadly, at least a dozen of them were stolen by unknown persons.

Among the numerous other projects/programmes hosted by the vibrant club during the year were Jessica Sandian Mother’s Day Hampers, DTV-8 Mother of the Year, Walter Nero Father’s Day Hampers, David Rambarran Father of the Year, Denise Leow Trust Fund, Tribute to Law Enforcement, Tribute to Medical Workers, Tribute to Postal Workers, Tribute to Municipality Workers, Ansa Mcal Award of Excellence Outstanding CSEC Students awards, Grade Six Awards, Dave Imports Region Six Awards, Tribute to Nursery School Teachers, Tribute to Secondary School Teachers, Dolphin Award of Excellence, Zenith Award of Excellence, Tribute to Heroes, Terry Holder Tribute Award, Ananda E.T Dharry Trust Fund, Evening of Music, Feeding programmes, medical clinics, television programmes, youth information booklet, annual youth magazine, COVID-19 posters, COVID-19 stickers, Tribute to Umpires, Players Welfare Fund, and Assistance to fire victims.

The club also organised a surprise celebration for its Secretary/CEO, who became the first Cricket West indies Director from the Ancient County. During the year, the cricket teams were involved in the distribution of over $9M worth of food hampers, including a $3M flood relief. $3.5M Christmas Hampers, and and $2M COVID-19 hampers programme.

The club also shared out

Namilco renews cricket sponsorship of RHTY&SC First Division team

$1.5m worth of items to its members under a Members Welfare Programme. Items distributed included cycles, clothing, educational materials, school bags, footwear, medical supplies and household utilities.

The RHTY&SC closed off the year by hosting a multi-million-dollar charity project which included the distribution of 1000 food hampers, 7000 toys, 1000 breakfast, feeding of the poor, Christmas Concert, one thousand special packages, close to seven hundred thousand dollars’ worth of educational materials, and twenty cycles.

The teams also hosted the seventh edition of the annual Christmas Village in the compound of the Rose Hall Town Primary School.

The village was attended by thousands of eager kids and their parents during the period 22nd to 24th of December.

Foster disclosed that two projects were special to the management of the club during the year, and they were the repair of the home of a 96-year-old rape victim and honouring eighty-oneyear-old Jaikissoon Sookdeo of Tain for decades of com-

munity service. The club also employed a full-time coach in Delbert Hicks to coach its membership of hundreds of youth players at all levels.

Dozens of outstanding Guyanese were also honoured by the club and the teams during the year, including Ministers Susan Rodrigues, Charles Ramson and Collin Croal. Others included Esuan Crandon, Leila Ramson and Anasha Ally.

The RHTY&SC would like to express thanks to all of its numerous sponsors, donors and volunteers. Special thanks are also extended to the Berbice Cricket Board, Rose Hall Town Council, Government of Guyana, members of the media, and the National Task Force.

The contribution of the club’s official cricket sponsors- Poonai Drugs Store, Farfan and Mendes Ltd, Bakewell, Pepsi, Metro Office Supplies, Vitality Inc, and Namilco Thunderbolt Flour, were also acknowledged by the management of the club. The club has set itself a target of seven hundred and thirty activities for 2022.

National cricketer Anthony Adams awards Essequibo youths G uyana and Essequibo left-arm spinner Anthony Adams did not forget the proverbial bridge he had crossed, as he embarked on awarding youths in Region Two for their efforts in 2021.

Trophies were awarded to the youths, and more than 10 youths received lunch.

A special trophy was also awarded for the Under-13 males. The Essequibo senior captain, who is also a Level II coach, said this initiative came naturally to him. “It is something that natu-

rally came to my mind. I found it necessary to do something for the youngsters, even if it is nothing big, it is something to show appreciation and help encourage them. For the future, we have a 50-year lease on a land, and we would like to construct an indoor facility so youngsters across Essequibo could benefit,”

at e youths Some of th sentation the pre

Adams said.

The meals were prepared by the female organisation FemPower.

This organisation is a team of young women in Region Two who strive to make lives of young

women better, especially targeting school dropouts and single mothers.

While the main focus is to empower women, FemPower has assisted youths in general.

This Adams initiative was done through Team Daniels and South Cricket Committee, and saw Debora Daniels, Forbes Daniels, Rayon DeCosta, Ottis Roberts, representatives of FemPower, and parents of the youngsters in attendance.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 1, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GDF, Western Tigers eager for final clash

Charles Pollard, KFC’s Pamella Manasseh and Kavin Pearce

By Jemima Holmes

T

he stage is set, and two teams are on a perfect win record; after all, a perfect streak is the only way they would be able to make it to the grand finale.

Nonetheless, both teams have worked assiduously to get to where they will be tonight, just look at the come-from-behind wins they both pulled off on Wednesday last, an effort like such is surely deserving of a final position.

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF), being the defending champions of the year-end Super-16 tournament, have everything to play for. Likewise do the Western Tigers, whose team was put together perfectly with one goal in mind, to win it all.

The National Track and Field Facility at Leonora, West Coast Demerara is surely in for a treat and a half tonight, as these two teams clash in hopes of pocketing a $2M grand prize.

With the ultimate football showdown set to take place, Head Coaches and Captains of the respective teams gathered at the KFC Vlissengen Road office to trade words on the eve of the final.

A confident Charles Pollard, on Western Tigers’ behalf, stated, “So, I expect a very tactical game. I know they’re a very strong team physically, Mr Wilson is a very tactical coach, but I think I have a young and exciting bunch of players at Western Tigers who are eager to prove themselves against this army outfit.”

In a rebuttal of sorts, GDF Assistant Coach Kavin Pearce expressed, “This opportunity to represent the Guyana Defence Force is an opportunity I grab with both hands. We’re here, the defending champions, we’re going out there, nothing else but looking for a victory, cause we represent the country.”

He added, “We secure the country cause we’re the Guyana Defence Force, so we’re looking to secure the football game and win it also.”

Even by the coach’s admission, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF)Kashif and Shanghai (K&S) Super-16 final will be a blockbuster event on New Year’s Day. And verbalising similar sentiments at Friday morning’s

pre-game press conference were the respective captains of the final teams, who shared the same eagerness to get onto the pitch.

“The biggest thing is getting to the finals, and it’s a very good game to play against Western inside the year-end finals, and me and my team are looking forward to it. I’m glad that all the teams are having a chance now to play the football that we’ve been yearning to play for quite some while,” GDF Captain Sherwin Caesar remarked.

On the other hand, Curtez Kellman of Western Tigers noted, “Going into this final, we are pretty confident, we have a positive group, as Coach Pollard said. You know, during the training camp, the energy we have there is

Bowling grateful for successful 2021 season, with a fruitful 2022 on the horizon …LGC to focus on implementing youth programme

Some of the tournaments held at the LGC during 2021

By Timothy Jaikarran

T

he Lusignan Golf Club has had a great 2021 season despite the COVID-19 pandemic. This is according to its club secretary Chet Bowling.

Bowling insists that the club is looking forward to an even better 2022 season with the implementation of a youth programme, while continuing to raise the level of golf at the course.

In an exclusive interview with this publication, when asked his view on the year, Bowling said, “2021 has been a great year. We had lots of great tournaments.

We had a fantastic GTT Guyana Open, we had a great tournament sponsored by MACORP, who is a traditional sponsor and a great

support to the LGC. Overall, a great year, as we saw our membership increase coming up to the Guyana Open, as they wanted to compete in the premier event, which was very competitive.”

Bowling also boasted that while 2021 was a great year, credit must be given to the new executive, who restored good morale and set the stage for the LGC to do good things going forward. The LGC secretary related that, come 2022, it is the club’s intention to consolidate, encourage more partnerships in golf, implement a youth programme that would have clinics and training sessions which would encourage a lot of youths to come out to the golf course to have a feel of the game, which would be the club’s main drive in

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2022.

Bowling further explained that the LGC would also seek to raise the level of golf at the LGC, which would mean they have to look at the ground. “We have to ensure the course is still playable, even when we have rain. Some of the course is fantastic when we have good weather, but it is the bad weather that makes playing difficult. But we are coming up with a game plan to make LGC a premier destination for visitors, international golfers, for Guyanese, and to make it an entertainment/ tourism spot for those who want to be a part of the Lusignan golf club,” Bowling posited.

Bowling said that, for him, the high point for 2021 was the GTT Guyana Open, as while the

competition was stiff, the tournament showcased a wide variety of nationalities, both male and female, who wanted to have a taste of the course. He noted that, for him, the low point was the weather, which came earlier in the year and towards the end of the year, which made it difficult to play golf.

However, the LGC Secretary showered the sponsors with much appreciation as he labelled them as kind and goodhearted. He relayed that they understood their corporate social responsibility and would be looking forward to an even greater 2022.

The sponsors who made 2021 a successful year for the LGC were Panko Steel Fabrication, Agro Fresh & Amazone Planx, S.Jagmohan Construction Services, Roy’s Pharmacy& Hope Estate, Oasis Cafe & Akamai Trading, Pandit Ravi & Robert Hanoman Birth Anniversary, Survival Supermarket, Colin’s Life Tournament, Bank of Baroda, Ansa McAl, Massy Group, Genuine Auto Spares & Tools, LGC Executive Tournament, Hall Mark’s & C&L Construction Inc, Demerara Mutual Life Group, BK International, Farmsup, Sankars Auto Colour & Auto Works, Brusters Real Ice cream, Trophy Stall, C&V, Caribbean Shipping, GTT Guyana Open, Macorp And Vish Trading.

very positive, and we want to take that positive energy into the game tomorrow and get the results that we want, a win.”

Following the teams’ representatives with remarks was KFC’s Marketing Manager Pamella Manasseh, who on behalf of the tournament’s chief sponsor appreciated the positivity exuded by the players.

“So far, I must say that I like what I hear, and KFC, which is Beharry Restaurant Holdings, we are very proud to sponsor this whole tournament, especially being involved with Kashif and Shanghai and the Guyana Football Federation.

Based on listening to the coaches and the athletes and the positive vibes that they’re giving, we’re looking to continue to support you right through,” Manasseh stated.

“With that said, we’re going to be following this game tomorrow and making sure the best team wins.”

While first prize is set at Gy$2M, second place will walk away with $1M, third place $500,000 and fourth place will settle for $250,000. Aside from those prizes, there will be a number of individual prizes, the highlight of which will be the Most Valuable Player’s Diamon Ring, compliments of Tony’s Jewelry.

NSC names Lennox Daniels as new National Boxing Coach

T

he National Sports Commission (NSC) announced on Friday (December 31) that Lennox Daniels has been named the country’s new National Boxing Coach. This announcement was made by Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle.

Daniels will replace Wincel Thomas in a move that Ninvalle is hailing as a “step in the right direction for boxing in Guyana.

“For the first time in a number of years, we can say that Guyana now has a functioning National Coach,” Ninvalle said.

According to Ninvalle, “Mr. Daniels brings decades of experience in the coaching field. As a matter of fact, he has coached most of the top fighters coming out of Guyana in the past two-tothree decades, including our Commonwealth Welterweight Champion the late Andrew Murray.”

Daniels was also in charge of many of the country’s boxing teams that had attended several high-profile games and tournaments, including the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain, that featured the likes of Andrew ‘Six Heads’ Lewis and Dillon Carew.

“I can speak from the position of the NSC, to say we’re happy to have the service of Lennox Daniels. He will play a part in decentralising the sport of boxing,” Ninvalle pointed out.

The Director of Sport, who also stands as President of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), highlighted Daniels’s involvement as coach of 2018 Caribbean School Boys and Juniors team.

“Before, we would not have had much communication with the boxing coach that Mr. Daniels has replaced, but we intend to make sure that our engagement with Mr. Daniels is something that will work and will have a meteoric rise of the development of boxing in Guyana.

“We want to thank the Honourable Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, for reaching out to us, and it is my personal belief that it’s a great step for boxing, and we will see much difference with him on board,” Ninvalle noted.

Meanwhile, Ninvalle said Daniels has already hit the ground running, and has taken charge of the Andrew Lewis gym, which is presently being rehabilitated.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 1, 2022

Sport is no longer our game, it’s our business

Page 39 GDF and Western Tigers’ Captains Sherwin Caesar and Curtez Kellman will both hope to clinch the BACIF Trophy when the game is done

GDF, Western Tigers eager for final clash Bowling grateful for successful 2021 season, with a fruitful 2022 on the horizon - construction of homes, Sinclair debut highlights of 2021

Kevin Sinclair

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…LGC to Page focus on 39 implementing youth programme

LGC Club Secretary Chet Bowling

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